First Exposure

Health Topics

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These health topics are intended for the public and health care providers.   

Treating Constipation in Pregnancy and Lactation

Authored by Lauren Tailor, Anna Pupco and, Pina Bozzo

Constipation affects almost half of all pregnant individuals. Learn about ways to manage constipation during pregnancy and lactation.  

Listeriosis in Pregnancy and Lactation

Authored by Dr. Tali Bogler and reviewed by Dr. Mark Yudin

Listeriosis in pregnancy can lead to serious adverse maternal, pregnancy and neonatal (newborn) outcomes. Learn about prevention, early recognition, and treatment in pregnancy 

GLP1-RAs: The New Era of Diabetes and Weight Loss Management, FAQs in Pregnancy and Lactation

Authored by Dr. Judith Zarek and Dr. Cynthia Maxwell

Ozempic®, Ryblesus®, Wegovy®, Victoza®, Saxenda®, Xultophy®, Trulicity®, Soliqua® and Mounjaro® are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs),which are used to treat type 2 diabetes and/or obesity. Learn what is known about their safety in pregnancy and lactation.

Protecting infants against RSV infection: Vaccination during pregnancy or a monoclonal antibody for infants

Authored by Dr. Tali Bogler

RSV is a very common and highly contagious virus. It can cause serious complications in infants, especially those less than 6 months of age. Learn about protecting infants against RSV infection. 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Pregnancy and Lactation

Authored by Rachela Smith and Dr. Jonathan Zipursky

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that affects daily functioning. Learn about ADHD and its management during pregnancy and lactation.  

A woman sitting in a park holding her pregnant belly with a picnic basket next to her --Une femme assise dans un parc, tenant son ventre de femme enceinte, avec un panier de pique-nique à côté d'elle

Common Summer Exposures(bug spray, sunscreen, and extreme heat) during Pregnancy

Authored by Dr. Tali Bogler, Pina Bozzo and Anna Pupco

Summer may pose some challenges during pregnancy. Learn about managing extreme heat, and safety of insect repellants and sunscreens during pregnancy.

A tree branch with pollen on it --Une branche d'arbre avec du pollen dessus

Seasonal Allergies and Allergic Rhinitis in Pregnancy and Lactation

Authored by Dr. Samira Jeimy

Allergies are caused by our immune system overreacting to allergens. Some common allergens are pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. Learn about seasonal allergies and allergic rhinitis and their management during pregnancy and lactation.  

Measles Infection and the MMR Vaccine in Pregnancy and Lactation

Authored by Dr. Tali Bogler

Measles is a highly contagious infection. Infection during pregnancy may be severe and lead to complications. Learn about measles infection in pregnancy and the MMR vaccine.
A woman laying on her back on the couch while holding her head in pain --Une femme allongée sur le dos sur le canapé, se tenant la tête avec douleur

Non-Anemic Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy

Authored by Dr. Michelle Sholzberg, Grace Tang, and Sherri Storm

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in pregnancy. Learn about non-anemic iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia and their management in pregnancy and lactation.

Vials of the COVID-19 Vaccine arranged in a grid-like pattern against a blue background --Flacons du vaccin contre la COVID-19 disposés en motif de grille sur un fond bleu

COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine in Pregnancy and Lactation

Authored by Dr. Tali Bogler

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Learn about COVID-19 mRNA vaccine during pregnancy and lactation.

Mental Health in Pregnancy and Lactation

Authored by Dr. Crystal Clark and Dr. Simone Vigod

1 out of 5 pregnant and postpartum individuals experience mental health issues.  Learn about mental health issues in pregnancy and postpartum.

A box of tissues and a cactus on a table top with used tissues next to the tissue box on the table --Une boîte de mouchoirs et un cactus en pot, avec des mouchoirs usagés étalés sur la table

Treating the Common Cold in Pregnancy and Lactation

Authored by Dr. Tali Bogler  

The common cold is caused by several types of viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common. Learn about managing common cold symptoms during pregnancy and lactation.

A pregnant individual wearing a blanket around her shoulders while holding a tissue to their nose in one hand and a thermometer in the other on a couch -- Une personne enceinte portant une couverture sur ses épaules, tenant un mouchoir contre son nez dans une main et un thermomètre dans l'autre, assise sur un canapé

Influenza Vaccine in Pregnancy and Lactation

Authored by Dr. Tali Bogler

Seasonal influenza infection, “the flu,” is caused by the influenza virus. Flu during pregnancy may be severe and lead to complications. Learn about the flu and the seasonal influenza vaccine (flu shot) during pregnancy and lactation.  

A pill bottle of the Fentanyl medication with a smaller brown bottle tipped over with small yellow tables coming out of it -- Une bouteille de comprimés indiquant du fentanyl avec une petite bouteille marron renversée montrant de petits comprimés jaunes

Fentanyl in Pregnancy and Lactation

Authored by Dr. Andi Camden and Dr. Jonathan Zipursky

Fentanyl is a type of opioid pain medication. Opioids are prescribed for the treatment of severe pain. Learn about the use of fentanyl during pregnancy and lactation.  

Topical Treatments for Vaginal Yeast Infections in Pregnancy and Lactation

Authored by Dr. Tali Bogler and Dr. Jonathan Zipursky

Vaginal yeast infections (vulvovaginal candidiasis) are more common in pregnancy. Learn about treating vaginal yeast infections with topical antifungals during pregnancy and lactation.