For all that we know about pregnancy problems, we seem to know relatively little about the everyday pregnancy experience. For instance, what changes do women see in their sleeping patterns or energy levels? What unique challenges do women with physical disabilities face in their pregnancies? Researchers are trying to answer these and other questions through a new research project called…
Since whooping cough can be deadly, pregnant women should get vaccinated during their third trimester to help protect their babies. For more information, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/pregnant/
What We Know Zika virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a birth defect called microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects. Zika primarily spreads through infected mosquitoes. You can also get Zika through sexwithout a condom with someone infected by Zika, even if that person does not show symptoms of Zika. There…
Why Choose a Vegetarian Diet? You may choose a vegetarian diet for many reasons. You may not want to harm animals. You may have political reasons for not eating meat. You may feel that not eating meat is healthier. Or you may avoid meat for religious reasons. Is It Possible to Stay Healthy Without Eating Meat? The American Dietetic Association…
By Kristen Hutchinson Spytek, National CMV Foundation President via MotherToBaby C-M-V. Three letters that keep me up at night and shake me to the core. Three letters that have managed to routinely shatter my expectations, body slam my optimism, expose my vulnerability, alter my perspective and even now, force me to recalibrate daily. My daughter, Evelyn Grace, was born on…
By Sonia Alvarado, MotherToBaby California Teratogen Information Specialist Spanish Version 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…
Another fitful night. A mom is awake, listening to her baby cough and trying to comfort him. She will be too worried to sleep tonight. For the past four days, her baby has had trouble eating, drinking, and sleeping because of this awful cough. Tomorrow, she will miss another day of work to care for him. She wonders wearily when…
Preeclampsia, in all of its forms, can mean a lot of testing, both during and after pregnancy. Have you ever wondered why your healthcare provider is running so many tests? Or what those tests mean? This guide explains what tests may be done during and after pregnancy, when, and why. DURING PREGNANCY Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that can…
Most women have a very good chance of experiencing a healthy journey through conception and pregnancy. But sometimes, special issues arise that call for extra care and informed decisions. Don’t be afraid to discuss these issues with your health care provider. Your midwife can be an invaluable source of information and support as you work through your unique challenges. Infertility…
It’s never too early to start preparing for birth and motherhood. Learning as much as you can now will help you feel more confident in making decisions like selecting a health care provider, choosing where to give birth, and finding a childbirth education class. Caring for Yourself Pregnancy is an excellent time to prioritize taking care of yourself. It is…