Pregnancy
Pregnancy
Planning for and managing your pregnancy can lead to a lot of questions and sort through a wealth of information. We are here to help guide you through the whole process.
Planning a Pregnancy
This is the time to prepare your body and mind to provide the best environment for your baby to grow and flourish. This is the ideal time to plan a course of action if you have chronic conditions or health concerns that will have to be managed over the course of your pregnancy. Ultimately, the goal is to plan a course of treatment that will maintain your overall health while posing the lowest possible risk to your developing baby. MotherToBaby MA is here to assist you with these goals and with other related questions you may have throughout your pregnancy.
Useful Tips
Some helpful tips to get started in the right direction:
- Do not stop taking your daily medications for the treatment of certain conditions without first checking with your doctor
- Take 400-800 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily with a multi or prenatal vitamin.
- Try to consume as close to 300mg of DHA (docohexanoic acid), a fish oil that will be helpful with brain development.
- Start eating healthy and develop an exercise plan if you haven’t already.
- Review the use of any over the counter medications.
- Avoid eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. You can enjoy fish but no more than 2 servings a week.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Take steps to quit smoking.
- Seek assistance to treat drug or chemical addictions.
- Review the use of any herbal or home remedies for safety during pregnancy.
Managing Your Pregnancy
Whether you just found out about your pregnancy and are now concerned about what you were exposed to or you are in the middle of pregnancy and have just been prescribed a new medication, pregnancy can be an exciting yet nerve-racking experience. During pregnancy there are so many questions that come up daily that it can be quite frustrating not knowing where to turn for accurate information. That is why we are here for you at any stage of those 40 weeks! We will provide non-judgmental information for all your concerns during pregnancy
When you call you will be asked for:
- Your name
- Address
- Phone number
- Due date
Information about the exposure:
- Dates
- Doses/amounts
- Name of ingredients or chemicals
All the information you provide is COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL and will help the specialist better assess your situation.
Useful Tips
Some helpful tips to get started in the right direction:
- Take your prenatal vitamins and Folic Acid , 400- 800 micrograms(mcg) a day
- Try to consume as close to 300mg of DHA (docohexanoic acid), a fish oil that will be helpful with brain development
- Attend all prenatal appointments with your OBGYN and other health care providers as needed
- Do not stop or change your medication(s) without first consulting your doctor
- Avoid herbal supplements and teas unless approved for safety
- Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet
- Avoid eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. You can enjoy fish but no more than 2 servings a week.
- Ask your healthcare provider or call us about Listeriosis and Toxoplasmosis and how to avoid becoming infected
- Be aware of the possible risks from product(s) you use in your home and work
- Be street drug, alcohol, and smoke free and seek help if support is needed to quit
- Enjoy your pregnancy!
MotherToBaby National
Educational Fact Sheets
Maternal Medical Conditions, Substances of Abuse, Occupational, Other Common Exposures
March of Dimes
The Center for Women’s Mental Health
National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications
American Pregnancy Association
WebMD Pregnancy
CDC (Center for Disease Control)
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for Women
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts
Mass Health
National Pesticide Information Center
WIC (Woman, Infants and Children)
Lead Paint Hotline
Mass Coalition for Occupational Safety & Health
Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention (MA & RI)
Northern New England Poison Center (ME, NH & VT)
Disclaimer: The material and links at this site are intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or instruction. MotherToBaby MA is not responsible for the content or activities for any linked sites. Consult your health care provide for advice relating to a medical problem or condition.
Testimonials
“Thank you for your quick response to my concerns. I will definitely be referring others to your service in the future. I joined the AED pregnancy registry at Mass General. Even though I was exposed to the Topamax for the 1st weeks of my pregnancy only, I found it necessary to join so others could find information about this exposure.”
– Marshfield, MA
I am a community health nurse and I was unaware of your service till my OB/GYN office referred me. I have passed along your service to my colleagues so that they may also utilize or refer clients to you.
“Very helpful and very responsive. This is a great service for the community.”
– Maynard, MA
