By MotherToBaby’s Kirstie Perrotta, MPH, Lorrie Harris-Sagaribay, MPH, Robert Felix and Susan Sherman of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) Zika Task Force

“It’s 2018! I didn’t even know you could get syphilis nowadays!” Yes, I mentioned the stats about syphilis and other infections that can affect pregnancy to the caller who had contacted me through our free MotherToBaby helpline. I thought, this is a great time to educate her as well as others about a variety of infections. Some infections, like Zika, seem to make headlines every week, while others tend to be discussed much less frequently. January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, and this year’s focus is on infection prevention.

In keeping with the theme Prevent to Protect: Prevent Infections for Baby’s Protection, read on to learn more about the top five preventable infectious diseases that we get questions about here at MotherToBaby, and what you can do to prevent exposure during pregnancy.

#1: Zika Virus
One of our most common Zika questions comes from couples who have just returned home after a tropical vacation: How long do we need to wait to get pregnant after returning from a country with Zika, and what should we do in the meantime to minimize risk? Can we be tested?

Many countries continue to see active transmission of Zika virus from infected mosquitoes. If a woman is infected with Zika during pregnancy, it can increase the risk of microcephaly (small head and brain) and other severe brain defects. It may also cause eye defects, hearing loss, seizures, and problems with the joints and limb movement. That’s why it’s so important for couples who are planning a pregnancy to make sure the virus is completely out of their bodies before they attempt to conceive.

So, how long do couples need to wait? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women who travel to a country with Zika wait at least two months before attempting to get pregnant. If a male partner travels, the CDC recommends waiting six months. Some callers ask, “Why so long? We’re ready to get pregnant now!” Although the virus is expected to leave most people’s blood in about two weeks, this could vary depending on a number of factors including their own immunity. The CDC considers 2 months to be a long enough wait time for women. As for men? Zika has been found in the semen for up to 6 months after a man is first infected. The six-month wait time ensures that men do not pass the virus to their partners during intercourse if it is still present in their semen.

Practicing safe sex is important during these wait times! Since Zika can spread through sexual contact, using condoms or dental dams is recommended every time a couple has intercourse. Don’t want to use protection? 100% abstinence is another option. These safe sex precautions significantly reduce the risk of transferring the virus from one partner to another during these important wait times.

Couples who want to get pregnant right away will often ask, “Instead of waiting, isn’t there a way my doctor can just test me for the virus?” Unfortunately, the answer to that question is not so simple. The CDC does not recommend testing as a way to know if it’s “safe” to get pregnant. For one reason, the virus could have already left your blood, but could still be hanging out in other areas of the body (like semen). In this case, you could get a negative blood test result, but still have the virus. Second, no test is 100% accurate. There’s always a chance that your result could be a false negative, especially if you are tested too soon or too late after returning home from a country with Zika.

So, the bottom line? It’s a waiting game. Couples should follow the CDC’s official recommendations to make sure their pregnancy has the healthiest start possible. Still have questions or concerns about Zika? Check out Zika Central on MotherToBaby.org or call us at 866-626-6847 to speak with a specialist who can assess your specific exposure.

#2 Listeria
I just ate unpasteurized cheese and I’m worried I have Listeria. What symptoms should I watch for? Do I need to be tested?

Eating unpasteurized cheese does put you at risk for a Listeria infection (called listeriosis). So during your pregnancy it’s important to avoid unpasteurized cheeses and other foods made with unpasteurized milk. The US Food and Drug Administration has developed additional food safety guidelines specific to pregnancy.

While listeriosis has not been found to cause birth defects, it can increase the risk for miscarriage, preterm delivery, and still birth. It also increases the risk of infection in newborns which can result in very serious long-term complications for baby.

Not everyone who is infected with Listeria will have symptoms, but some will have mild to severe symptoms that appear a few days or even weeks after eating contaminated food. Symptoms of a Listeria infection to watch for may include: diarrhea, fever, muscle aches, joint pain, headache, backache, chills, sore throat, swollen glands, and sensitivity to light.

Since not everyone has symptoms, it is important to be tested if you think you might have listeriosis. Your health care provider can order a simple blood test to confirm a Listeria infection. Treatment will reduce the risks of infection for you and your baby.

#3: Toxoplasmosis
I didn’t find out I was pregnant until 12 weeks, and I’ve been changing my cat’s litter box this whole time. Am I at risk for toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis infection is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. You can get it from handling cat feces or soil, or eating undercooked, infected meat that contains the parasite. Eating raw eggs or drinking unpasteurized milk are also possible sources.

Most adults with toxoplasmosis don’t have symptoms, but some have symptoms similar to the flu or mononucleosis, with swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, headache or muscle pain. In most cases, once a person gets toxoplasmosis, they cannot get it again. If a woman has an active toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy, it can pass to the developing baby (called congenital toxoplasmosis infection). Not every infected baby will have problems, but the infection could cause a variety of developmental problems for the infant.

Up to 85% of pregnant women in the U.S. are at risk for toxoplasmosis infection. Generally, women who have recently acquired a cat or care for an outdoor cat may be at an increased risk for toxoplasmosis. Ask yourself: Have you ever been diagnosed with toxoplasmosis? How long have you had your cat? Is your cat indoor only, outdoor only, or both? Do you feed the cat raw meat? Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns and want to learn more about a blood test that can determine if you have ever had toxoplasmosis.

To avoid future infection, here are some precautions you can take: (1) wash your hands carefully after handling raw meat fruit, vegetables, and soil; (2) do not touch cat feces, or else wear gloves and immediately wash your hands afterwards if you must change the cat litter; (3) wash all fruits and vegetables; peeling fruits and vegetables can also help reduce risk of exposure; (4) cook meat until it is no longer pink and the juices run clear; and (5) do not feed your cat raw meat.

#4 Syphilis
I just found out I have syphilis and my doctor recommended medication to treat it, but I’m worried the medication will hurt the baby. What should I do?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria that can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Learning that you have syphilis when you are pregnant is frightening, but the earlier you treat the infection, the better the outcome for you and your baby.

The syphilis bacteria can spread to the baby during pregnancy (called congenital syphilis or CS). CS can cause stillbirth, prematurity, or other pregnancy problems, including birth defects of the bones, the brain and other body systems. If you are diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy, be sure to talk with your baby’s pediatrician since a baby might develop symptoms of CS even after being born.

The medications that are used to treat syphilis have been around for many years and are well studied. While there is always the possibility of side effects with any medication, the antibiotics used to treat syphilis during pregnancy are very well tolerated by most women.

The MotherToBaby website contains fact sheets on many of the medications doctors prescribe during pregnancy. If you still have concerns about the medication your doctor has prescribed to treat your syphilis, you can review the fact sheet and contact a MotherToBaby specialist at 866-626-6847.

#5 CMV (Cytomegalovirus)
I’m pregnant, and my 3-year-old came home from daycare with symptoms of CMV. Should I be worried? What can I do to prevent getting CMV from her?

CMV is a common virus that spreads through urine, saliva and other body fluids. In pregnancy, CMV can pass from mom to the developing baby (called congenital CMV infection). This could happen if you already had CMV before you got pregnant or if you got a new strain of CMV from your daughter, but it might be more likely to happen if you get a first-time CMV infection from your daughter while you’re pregnant.

Reassuringly, most babies born with congenital CMV infection don’t get sick or have health problems. But about 1 out of every 5 babies with congenital CMV infection has health problems at birth or complications that develop later in childhood. These include developmental disability, vision problems, and hearing loss, even in babies with no signs of congenital CMV infection at birth.

So, how can you prevent getting CMV from your daughter? There is no surefire way to guarantee that you won’t get it, but the best prevention is the easiest one: wash your hands often. Especially after any contact with your daughter’s urine or saliva. Kissing her on the cheek or the top of the head instead of the mouth or the hands is another way to prevent contact with her saliva. And if you are still concerned, talk to your health care provider about blood tests to detect a current or past CMV infection. For more information, check out our Baby Blog about this topic.

If you have more questions about infections during pregnancy, contact a MotherToBaby expert by phone, email, text message or chat. During National Birth Defects Prevention Month and every day, moms-to-be have the opportunity to #prevent2protect, ensuring the healthiest start to life for their new additions!

About MotherToBaby
MotherToBaby is a service of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), suggested resources by many agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you have questions about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, please call MotherToBaby toll-FREE at 866-626-6847 or try out MotherToBaby’s new text information service by texting questions to (855) 999-3525. You can also visit MotherToBaby.org to browse a library of fact sheets about dozens of viruses, medications, vaccines, alcohol, diseases, or other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding or connect with all of our resources by downloading the new MotherToBaby free app, available on Android and iOS markets.

Carrie called MotherToBaby on a Monday morning. She sounded anxious. “I just got home from a pretty wild bachelorette party held last week in New Orleans. I started feeling nauseous on the plane and I have thrown up twice this morning. I couldn’t eat breakfast. I’m really tired and my breasts hurt a little. I’m worried I might be pregnant.” Carrie was wondering if we could help her figure out if she was pregnant or not. Although MotherToBaby mainly answers questions about medications and other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the “am I pregnant” question is one we hear often.

This call reminded me of another one that I received several weeks prior – Anya called to say that she was two days late for her period, but she hadn’t been able to take a pregnancy test just yet. She was taking birth control pills and had missed one day but took two pills the next day, just like her doctor had told her to do if that happened. She was hoping she wasn’t pregnant, but she was worried that taking the birth control pills may have increased the chance for a birth defect in her baby if she was pregnant.

January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month, and a great time for those planning a pregnancy to review their own risk for having a child with a birth defect. Over half of all pregnancies in this country are unplanned. Talk with one of our specialists. Together with MotherToBaby, you can consider your own risk in a thorough discussion. Also see this link to the CDC page on birth defects prevention.

Back to our callers’ situations. There are many signs of early pregnancy and they may be different from person to person. Yet there can be other reasons a person might have any of these symptoms, which is why it’s important to perform a pregnancy test. The following symptoms could be side effects from hormonal contraception OR early signs of illness OR your period is about to start OR actually signs of pregnancy. These include light vaginal bleeding or spotting, mild uterine cramping, sore or swollen breasts, feeling tired, feeling bloated, feeling moody, urinating more often than usual, food aversions, nausea or vomiting, constipation, stuffy or runny nose. Even a missed period might not mean you are pregnant.  

If you think you may be pregnant, the best way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests, sold at grocery stores, pharmacies and drugstores, are about 90% accurate on the day you are supposed to have your period. If you wait just one more week, the tests are reported to be about 97-99% accurate. Taking a test sooner than the day your period is supposed to start can lead to false negative results. How? Pregnancy tests measure a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine and your body only makes this hormone if you’re pregnant. Your body makes more hCG as time passes though, and your test could be negative if there isn’t enough hCG to measure in your urine yet. Home urine pregnancy tests are just as accurate as the urine tests at the doctor’s office when they are used correctly and at the right time in your menstrual cycle. Before you begin, make sure to check the expiration date on the outside of the box. Carefully read the instructions. If you still aren’t sure about the result, visit a clinic to be tested again.

While a woman waits until the day she can take a pregnancy test, meaning until she knows for certain whether or not she is pregnant, it’s important to avoid alcohol, smoking, and drugs. All of these substances can be harmful to a pregnancy and to a developing baby. MotherToBaby is an excellent resource for discussing these exposures during pregnancy, plus for any medications you might be taking. This conversation can be useful in making decisions with your doctor about continuing or stopping a medication. In some cases, it may actually be better to continue taking certain medicines, for both your own health and the baby’s well-being. Don’t stop your medications until you speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

If your period has not started within a week after a negative result, you should take another pregnancy test. If it’s still negative, make an appointment with your healthcare professional to determine what may be going on. You might be stressed, be exercising too much, getting sick or experiencing hormonal imbalances. All of these should be discussed with a doctor. If you are not pregnant, it’s also an excellent time to discuss short-term birth control or long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) like IUDs or birth control implants. No contraceptive method is 100% effective, and I’ve spoken with people who became pregnant even with LARC, but the chance of an unplanned pregnancy is far less with correct use of contraception with every sexual act. It’s also a good idea to start tracking your periods to learn more about your body and to know when to expect your period. Check out your app store for free apps like: Flo, Clue Period & Cycle Tracker, or Ovia Fertility & Cycle Tracker.

If your home pregnancy test is positive, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. The sooner your pregnancy is confirmed, the sooner you can begin prenatal care. Either before or when you suspect a pregnancy, begin taking a daily prenatal vitamin with at least 400mcg of folic acid. These help support the baby’s growth and development and are an important supplement to a good nutritious diet. Check to see if you are up to date on all recommended vaccines. Get some exercise, plenty of sleep, and pay attention to your mental health. See our healthy pregnancy blog post for more details. MotherToBaby is here to help with any questions you have throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

By Sonia Alvarado, MotherToBaby California Teratogen Information Specialist

I wrote a blog about marijuana and pregnancy three years ago and it’s become the most visited blog on the MotherToBaby website. No surprise, considering that marijuana is an even hotter topic today than it was previously! Three years ago, two states had laws allowing recreational use. Now, 29 states allow medicinal use, recreational use or both (with limits on amounts varying from state to state). I was recently asked to revisit this topic and to provide an update on what we know about marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In this blog article, I use the terms marijuana, cannabis or pot interchangeably, as do most people.

At this time, there is no FDA approved indication for cannabis use as a medical treatment. The FDA gives approval to drugs only when the manufacturers of those drugs have gone through all of the required testing, have met the standards for safety, and have shown that it works when treating specifically named conditions. Marijuana has not met these standards. However, there are two FDA-approved drugs that contain man-made (synthetic) forms of marijuana. These medications, dronabinol and nabilone, are used to treat nausea caused by cancer medications. Neither one has been studied in human pregnancy, so we do not know how safe they are if taken during pregnancy.

The use of marijuana by pregnant women, either unintentionally before they know that they are pregnant or intentional use after pregnancy recognition, continues to increase. One survey suggests that marijuana is the leading recreational drug that pregnant women report using. The National Survey of Drug Use and Health reported that 3.85% of pregnant women reported using marijuana in the past month in 2014, compared with 2.37% in 2002. Other self-report studies indicate the number may be 5-8%. Our information service also receives many questions from pregnant and breastfeeding women who want to continue to use marijuana. Because of increasing legalization, the reported increased use and the need for answers from the public and health care providers, MotherToBaby has set aside sections of its June 2017 professional meeting in Denver, Colorado to bring experts together to discuss the latest research.

What do pregnant women, doctors and teratogen specialists, like myself, want to know about cannabis use during pregnancy?

• We know that the developing baby is exposed to drugs, medications, infections and chemicals in the mother’s blood. Pregnant women, their health care providers and researchers want to know the differences in the amounts of the drug that reach the blood when cannabis products are used topically, when they are ingested and when they are smoked.
• We also want to know the risks associated with each type of exposure and the doses that are associated with the risk. For example, what is the difference in risk if a pregnant woman smokes pot once a day (a hit or two or more) vs. smoking pot once a week (one hit or two)? What about if she ingests the drug? What is the difference in risk to her developing baby?

It used to be that teratogen specialists like me were mostly concerned about the risk for birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate, or heart defects. However, now we know that for some drugs, the risks are not specific just to the baby’s structure, such as development of limbs. Instead, some drugs, like alcohol, affect development of the baby’s brain and therefore the effects on the child’s learning and behavior might not be noticed until much later. We need studies that follow children exposed prenatally to marijuana, in all its forms and at a range of doses, so that we can better inform pregnant women if their babies have risks for learning or mental health problems.

What the Available Studies Do Show
The few studies that have focused on birth defects like heart defects or cleft lip and palate have not found a specific pattern of birth defects linked with marijuana when it is smoked. This does not mean that we know for sure that the drug does not ever cause birth defects. What it could mean is that the risk may be small or there is an increased risk only at higher doses or more frequent use. Larger and better studies are needed to determine if there is or is not an increased risk. We do not know for sure yet, and studies are continuing.

Many of the studies have continued to report a higher risk for low birth weight babies, preterm delivery, babies that are small for gestational age and higher rates of admission to intensive care nurseries for babies born to women who smoke marijuana during pregnancy. All of these complications are important and associated with serious health risks for the newborn baby. They could require a longer hospital stay, medical treatment and in some cases, could result in life-long disability. Prematurity, regardless of the cause, is associated with a higher risk for apnea, bleeding in the brain, lung problems (breathing problems), intestinal problems, a higher risk for infections and other problems. Studies continue to look at the issue of complications from smoking pot during pregnancy.

THC and Baby’s Brain
Another issue that is very important is the risk of learning and mental health problems from prenatal exposure to cannabis. As many people know, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. This part of the plant produces the “high” when it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. In the field of psychiatry, for some time it has been reported that smoking pot is linked to psychosis or schizophrenia. This type of research has generated questions about the risk to the unborn baby’s brain from exposure to the drug. Because the brain of the baby continues to grow after birth, there is also concern about what can happen if the baby is exposed to THC through breastmilk. This is part of the important research that will be presented at the MotherToBaby/OTIS conference in Denver this month. We look forward to hearing what the researchers have been learning about cannabis in pregnancy and lactation. Let’s just say I have a strong feeling that after this meeting and as we get more and more up-to-date, evidence-based information for our readers, marijuana blog #3 will be right around the corner!

Sonia Alvarado is a bilingual (Spanish/English) Senior Teratogen Information Specialist at MotherToBaby’s California affiliate. MotherToBaby aims to educate women about medications and more during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Along with answering women’s and health professionals’ questions regarding exposures during pregnancy/breastfeeding via MotherToBaby’s toll-free helpline, email and private chat counseling service, Alvarado has provided educational talks regarding pregnancy health in community clinics and high schools over the past decade.

MotherToBaby is a service of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), suggested resources by many agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you have questions about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, please call MotherToBaby toll-FREE at 866-626-6847 or try out MotherToBaby’s new text information service by texting questions to (855) 999-3525. You can also visit MotherToBaby.org to browse a library of fact sheets about dozens of viruses, medications, vaccines, alcohol, diseases, or other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding or connect with all of our resources by downloading the new MotherToBaby free app, available on Android and iOS markets.

Dealing with constipation can be challenging, and the struggle intensifies during pregnancy. The struggle is real, and I know it firsthand! I have struggled with constipation ever since I was a teenager. But once I started college, the stress of my day-to-day life intensified my symptoms which led me to suffer from chronic constipation. Once I found out I was pregnant, I knew it was only a matter of time until I experienced the discomfort, pain, and bloating all over again. But I knew that, while this might be disheartening, I was not alone. Up to 38% of pregnant individuals experience constipation in the first trimester (Trottier et al., 2012).

This common issue has even earned its own ICD-10 code (used for medical billing), emphasizing the need for attention and solutions. Let’s explore the reasons behind pregnancy-related constipation and discover effective ways to manage and alleviate it. Our Constipation Resource Hub is a great way to access all the information that MotherToBaby experts have for you related to this topic, but let’s go over some specifics first!

Understanding the Causes of Constipation in Pregnancy:

Constipation during pregnancy can be attributed to various factors, including an unbalanced diet, insufficient fiber intake, inadequate hydration, and a lack of physical activity. Hormonal changes, particularly an increase in progesterone, also play a significant role. Additionally, medications used to combat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) and supplements like iron and calcium may contribute to constipation.

Navigating Treatment Options during Pregnancy:

While constipation is common during pregnancy, suffering needlessly is not acceptable. Explore different treatment options, but keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding the complexities of your individual situation is crucial.

Nutrition Adjustments:

• Incorporate 4-5 cups of fresh fruits and vegetables daily.
  • Aim for 25-30 grams of fiber daily.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

  • Engage in 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (consult your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine during pregnancy).

Medication Considerations:

• Laxatives can be an option, they are medications used to soften stool or stimulate the bowel, but it’s essential to be informed. Explore our fact sheet on laxatives here https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/laxatives/. Here’s a brief run-down of some of these options:

• Bulk-forming laxatives (fiber supplements) like psyllium
  • Osmotic laxatives
  • Stool softener laxatives

  • Stimulants, and lubricants

Prescription medications

• Prucalopride (Motegrity®) for the treatment of functional constipation, also known as chronic idiopathic constipation. Read our fact sheet here.

Managing Underlying Conditions that May Make Constipation during Pregnancy Worse:

Some individuals may face constipation due to underlying conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C) or Functional Constipation (FC). Consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and follow their recommendations. Explore our informative fact sheet on Functional Constipation here. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/functional-constipation/ .

Stress can exacerbate constipation, especially for those with IBS-C. Be kind to yourself and explore stress management techniques. Learn more about stress during pregnancy in our fact sheet here https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/stress-pregnancy/ .

For those with Gestational Diabetes or a predisposition to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, regulating blood glucose levels is crucial. Explore our blog on diabetes during pregnancy here https://mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/diabetes-and-pregnancy-the-not-so-sweet-story/ .

In conclusion, constipation during pregnancy is a shared experience, but it shouldn’t be endured without seeking relief. I certainly looked for options that helped me during my pregnancy, just like I did, so can you! Open a conversation with your healthcare provider to explore solutions. By making dietary adjustments, staying active, and managing stress, you can navigate constipation more comfortably during this transformative time. For personalized information about medications or conditions, or to volunteer for the study on constipation (https://mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/constipation/) in pregnancy, reach out to our experts at MotherToBaby—they’re here to answer your questions and provide support throughout your pregnancy journey.

We want to enroll all individuals who took Motegrity® at any point in their current pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you, or someone you know has been exposed to this medication, please report use to our team.

By Chris Colón, Certified Genetic Counselor at MotherToBaby Arizona

We here at MotherToBaby are always looking for new and interesting topics to write about in our monthly blog series. We like to make sure that we do our best to target questions and concerns that are important to our readers. We of course spend a lot of time focused on over-the-counter and prescription medications, but not everyone feels comfortable taking traditional remedies. In fact, more and more people are looking to alternative medicine practices to treat a variety of conditions. Practices such as hypnosis, massage therapy and the use of essential oils is becoming more common.

As a teratogen information specialist I’ve fielded more than a few calls about the use of essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While information on the use of FDA-approved medications in pregnancy and breastfeeding is improving, reliable information on the use of products that are not regulated by the FDA is uncommon. Still, when callers want answers, it’s our job to provide them with the most current and accurate data we can find.

Having no personal experience of my own with the use of essential oils, I wanted to talk to someone who did. Luckily, my friend, colleague and mom of three, Nicole Greer, was willing to share her personal story.

Nicole came to find out about the use of essential oils through a friend. “Three years ago, a friend invited me to her ‘oils’ party, and while I had no idea what that meant, because she was a good friend, I went to support her,” she said. “When I arrived at the party, there were people trying different oils and discussing the life-altering differences oils had made for their families. Each of them had a story about changes such as elevated mood, better digestion issues, increased overall health – the list goes on.”

While curious, Nicole was not ready to take the full plunge into oil therapy without some more information. “I went looking for credible sources to validate what I was hearing before I invested any time or money. I thought, if this is as great as they say it is, why haven’t I heard about them before and why don’t more people use them? Why isn’t there use of these products in medical settings?”

Turns out there is. As the approaches to total patient care continue to change, more institutions are looking “outside the box” for treatments. There are many alternative medicine practitioners who use oils as part of their patient care routine. Vanderbilt University began using essential oils in their emergency room and their own study showed that the use of essential oils reduced stress and improved overall wellness among staff and patients. The Department of Integrative Medicine at Beth Israel Hospital in New York launched a program to help encourage self-care of its staff members, which includes essential oil therapy. And, there are large organizations both in the United States and abroad, that offer guidance on the practice of aromatherapy and the use of essential oils.

So what does all this mean for pregnancy and breastfeeding? Well, let’s start with the basics. Before the use of any products, it’s recommended to consult your healthcare provider to discuss the risks and the benefits. If you’re looking for information on the use of oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding that can be found on the internet, here are a few tips:

Information is limited. Depending on the product in question, there may be few studies on its use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. For many products, there is no information at all. That doesn’t mean that the oils are necessarily helpful or harmful; it means that they haven’t been studied. The lack of data can sometimes make it hard to decide if the product should be used or not.

Not all information is created equal. Some information available is based on sound research and scientific proof. Some is “anecdotal”, meaning it’s based on people’s experiences and not necessarily facts. When deciding what is best for you, make sure you’re getting information from a reliable source.

Still talk with your healthcare provider. Information from books, media, and/or the internet may be helpful, but it cannot predict what exactly will happen with you. Everyone is different, and every pregnancy is different, too. What works for others may not work for you. There may be something in your medical history that makes using certain products potentially more risky- even products that are not a problem for others. It’s best to always check with a medical professional.

If you have used a product without knowing its possible side effects, don’t panic. Call your healthcare provider. The use of products on the skin (topical) usually does not lead to large absorption by the person using them. That means not a lot is getting to the bloodstream, or to the baby. Constant use, use on broken or diseased skin, use over large areas of the body, use on certain body parts and swallowing of products have a greater rate of absorption by the body. However, assessing if there a possibility of negative effects on pregnancy or breastfeeding depends on what product is used, when in pregnancy it was used, and how much was used.

Nicole’s experience with oils has been a positive one. “For me, the defining moment came when I had a headache, and decided to give some oils a try. I have been plagued by headaches my entire life. I have used over-the-counter pain medication for years, and still my headaches never completely went away until I used a few dabs of oils on my temples. Also, after using the oils for almost two years, I believe the amount of times my three children have been sick is much lower than before. I have many friends who all have similar stories now, and my kids and husband have certainly gotten on board now that they have seen results,” she said.

Like everything else, the use of essential oils in pregnancy and breastfeeding is a very personal decision, and one that should be made after careful information gathering and thinking about what’s best for you and your baby. MotherToBaby is available to help provide information for questions on the use of essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding. You can reach a teratogen information specialist by calling 866-626-6847 or by visiting www.MotherToBaby.org.

Chris Colón is a certified genetic counselor based in Tucson, Arizona and proud mother of two. She currently works for The University of Arizona as a Teratogen Information Specialist at MotherToBaby Arizona, formerly known as the Arizona Pregnancy Riskline. Her counseling experience includes prenatal and cardiac genetics, and she has served as MotherToBaby’s Education Committee Co-chair since 2012.

MotherToBaby is a service of the international Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), a suggested resource by many agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you have questions about viruses, alcohol, medications, vaccines, diseases, or other exposures, call MotherToBaby toll-FREE at 866-626-6847 or try out MotherToBaby’s new text counseling service by texting questions to (855) 999-3525. You can also visit MotherToBaby.org to browse a library of fact sheets, email an expert or chat live.

References:
https://kansashealthrevolution.wordpress.com/2011/05/23/doterra-essential-oils-assist-staff-at-vanderbilt-university-medical-center/
http://www.wehealny.org/services/bi_im/specialgrants.html
https://www.naha.org/
http://www.ifparoma.org/index.php