Respiratory virus season brings increased risks for pregnant women and their babies. In this timely webinar, Alisa Kachikis, MD, MSc, from the University of Washington Medical Center and member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), shares the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidance on RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 during pregnancy.

Dr. Kachikis discusses the recommended vaccines, their safety and effectiveness, and how they can protect both parent and baby. She also reviews the potential complications these viruses can cause during pregnancy and what patients need to know to make informed decisions about vaccination. Designed for healthcare professionals and public health advocates, this presentation offers essential information to support conversations with pregnant women and ensure strong protection during respiratory virus season.

Caring for individuals with HIV during pregnancy requires a comprehensive, informed, and compassionate approach. In this webinar, Britton Gibson, MD, from the Medical University of South Carolina, presents the latest research-based information on managing HIV across the reproductive journey—from pre-conception planning to pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding.

Dr. Gibson discusses clinical best practices and strategies to support patients at every stage, including optimizing maternal health, reducing the risk of perinatal transmission, and navigating complex decisions around infant feeding. Attendees will gain practical insights into patient-centered care, current treatment guidelines, and the importance of multidisciplinary support systems.

This presentation is ideal for healthcare providers, counselors, and advocates who care for women living with HIV and are committed to improving health outcomes for both parent and baby.

In the second webinar of a two-part series, Marcela Smid, MD, MS, MA, Associate Professor at the University of Utah and member of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), explores the growing impact of emerging substances—fentanyl, kratom, and xylazine—on pregnancy and maternal mental health. 

These substances pose unique risks during the perinatal period, yet remain poorly understood in both research and clinical settings. Dr. Smid discusses what is currently known about their use, effects on pregnancy outcomes, and implications for newborn health. She also addresses the challenges of diagnosis and treatment in the context of substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions. 

This presentation provides evidence-informed insights for healthcare professionals, public health advocates, and anyone working to support pregnant women affected by substance use. Attendees will gain critical knowledge to better recognize, respond to, and care for those impacted by these evolving substance-related concerns.

Pregnancy is a critical time for identifying and managing co-occurring substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health conditions, yet these overlapping challenges are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. In the first installment of this two-part webinar series, Marcela Smid, MD, MS, MA, Associate Professor at the University of Utah and member of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), explores the complex intersection of pregnancy, SUD, and mental health.

Dr. Smid shares insights on the diagnostic difficulties faced by clinicians, the barriers pregnant women encounter when seeking care, and the stigma that often prevents treatment. Drawing from research and clinical experience, she offers evidence-informed strategies to support patients and improve outcomes.

This presentation is essential for healthcare providers, public health professionals, and advocates committed to improving maternal mental health and addressing the unique needs of pregnant women facing substance use and mental health conditions.

Congenital syphilis is on the rise across the United States, posing serious risks to pregnancies and infant health. This timely webinar explores the alarming increase in cases and sheds light on the underlying factors contributing to this preventable public health crisis. Attendees will gain insights into the potential pregnancy complications and birth defects associated with congenital syphilis, as well as current efforts by health professionals and advocates to reverse the trend.

The presentation features Robert McDonald, MD, MPH, from the CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, and Kate Miele, MD, MA, FACOG, an OB-GYN and CDC expert. Together, they will discuss key strategies for prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment, and highlight what clinicians and community health advocates can do to help.

Join us to learn how we can collectively respond to this critical issue and protect the health of mothers and babies nationwide.

Each year, about 1 in 33 babies in the United States is born with a structural birth defect. In recognition of World Birth Defects Day, this special webinar explores key discoveries and ongoing challenges in understanding birth defects. Sura Alwan, MSc, PhD, from the University of Washington and Co-Director of the Teratogen Information System (TERIS), presents insights gained over decades of research in the field of teratology.

This webinar is ideal for healthcare professionals, researchers, public health advocates, students, and anyone interested in maternal and child health. Attendees will learn about the most common types of structural birth defects, how certain exposures during pregnancy may increase risks, and the evolving science behind birth defect prevention and education.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the topic, this session provides valuable information to better understand the science—and the stories—behind birth defects.