Health Topics
Treating Constipation in Pregnancy and Lactation
Authored by Lauren Tailor, Anna Pupco and, Pina Bozzo
Constipation affects almost half of all pregnant individuals. There are several ways to manage constipation during pregnancy and lactation. This health topic is an expert opinion about constipation during pregnancy and lactation. This health topic is intended for the public and health care providers.
Listeriosis in Pregnancy and Lactation
Authored by Dr. Tali Bogler and reviewed by Dr. Mark Yudin
Listeria monocytogenes are bacteria that grow on food products; Listeriosis is the infectious disease caused by consumption of foods contaminated with the bacteria. Being pregnant carries a 10-20 times higher risk of getting listeriosis than the general population. Listeriosis in pregnancy can lead to serious adverse maternal, pregnancy and neonatal (newborn) outcomes.
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
Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Ryblesus®, Wegovy®), liraglutide (Victoza®, Saxenda, Xultophy ®), dulaglutide (Trulicity®), lixisenatide (Soliqua ®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) belong to a group of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs). These medications are used to treat type 2 diabetes and/or obesity.
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 RNA virus, infecting almost all children by the age of two years old and adults as well. It can cause serious complications in infants, especially those less than 6 months of age. This health topic is an expert opinion about protecting infants against RSV infection: vaccination during pregnancy or a monoclonal antibody for infants.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Pregnancy and Lactation
Authored by Dr. Judith Zarek and Dr. Cynthia Maxwell
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that affects daily functioning.
Common Summer Exposures(bug spray, sunscreen, and extreme heat) during Pregnancy
Authored by Dr. Tali Bogler
Summer poses unique challenges for pregnant women and pregnant individuals due to potential exposures to extreme heat as well as questions surrounding the use of insect repellants and sunscreen ingredients.
Seasonal Allergies and Allergic Rhinitis in Pregnancy and Lactation
Authored by Dr. Judith Zarek and Dr. Cynthia Maxwell
Allergies are caused by our immune system overreacting to substances known as allergens. Some common allergens are pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander.
Measles Infection and the MMR Vaccine in Pregnancy and Lactation
Authored by Dr. Tali Bogler
Measles is a highly contagious infection caused by the measles virus. The symptoms usually include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes followed by a distinctive rash. Measles is spread through contact with infected nasal or throat secretions (e.g., when an infected person coughs or sneezes) or breathing the same air as someone with measles. The virus can remain in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours. The airborne nature of the virus makes it highly contagious.
Non-Anemic Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy
Authored by Dr. Michelle Sholzberg, Grace Tang, Sherri Storm
Iron is needed for production of hemoglobin, which makes it an essential element for humans and almost all living organisms. Low iron (iron deficiency) may result in anemia, termed iron deficiency anemia (IDA), due to insufficient iron stores to support RBC production. When there is iron deficiency but there is no anemia, it is termed non-anemic iron deficiency (NAID).
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 (first recognized in December 2019). SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to change, resulting in variants that are different from the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARS-CoV-2 virus is spread through respiratory droplets and aerosols (smaller droplets that can linger in the air, especially in indoor spaces), which are created when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Mental Health in Pregnancy and Lactation
Authored by Dr. Crystal Clark and Dr. Simone Vigod
Common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder are experienced by 1 out of 5 pregnant and postpartum individuals- these are some of the most common complications of pregnancy and the first year postpartum.
Influenza Vaccine in Pregnancy and Lactation
Authored by Dr. Tali Bogler
Seasonal influenza infection, commonly referred to as “the flu,” is caused by the influenza virus. The influenza virus that causes seasonal flu can change year to year. As a result, the seasonal influenza vaccine is changed most years to protect against strains that will be the most prevalent during the upcoming flu season.
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, short term (acute), or long term (chronic) pain
Topical Treatments for Vaginal Yeast Infections in Pregnancy and Lactation
Authored by Dr. Tali Bogler and Dr. Jonathan Zipursky
Vaginal yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis) is a common cause of vaginal itching, soreness, abnormal vaginal discharge, and pain during vaginal sex. Infections are more common in pregnancy because hormonal changes create a favourable environment for yeast to grow.
Treating the Common Cold in Pregnancy and Lactation
Authored by Dr. Tali Bogler
Upper respiratory tract viral infections (URTIS), also known as the common cold, usually start with symptoms of headache, sneezing, and sore throat and later symptoms of a runny or stuffy nose, cough, and general feelings of discomfort. The common cold is caused by several types of viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common.