As the holiday season approaches, you may be involved in social gatherings where alcoholic drinks may be served. If pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the safest choice is to avoid drinking any alcohol. There is no known safe time, type or amount of alcohol when pregnant or planning to be pregnant. Try making mocktails for… Continue reading Alcohol use in pregnancy: Is it safe?
Author: Tricia Beazer RN
I am a Registered Nurse working as a Public Health Nurse with the City of Toronto. I have worked with families in a variety of areas from prenatal to postpartum. I'm passionate about my current work in Prenatal Health Promotion as I continue to work to empower individuals to have the best optimal birth and parenting outcome.
Born too soon: World Prematurity Day
Every year on November 17th, we celebrate World Prematurity Day to raise awareness about preterm birth and the concerns preterm babies and their family's experience. Babies born too early may face serious health risks or long term health problems. In 2016, the preterm birth rate was 8.7% in Toronto, higher than the rest of Ontario.… Continue reading Born too soon: World Prematurity Day
Cannabis: The effects during pregnancy
It has now been a little over a year since the legalization of non-medical use cannabis. At a recent gathering of parents I was asked about cannabis use during pregnancy. They had heard that using cannabis for morning sickness helps, and was wondering if it may be harmful to their unborn baby. Until more is… Continue reading Cannabis: The effects during pregnancy
Online prenatal program: Survey results
Are you pregnant and living in Toronto? You may be thinking of attending a prenatal program, but may not have the time to go to in-person classes. Well, Toronto Public Health offers a variety of programs for expecting individuals and one of your options is Welcome to Parenting, our free online prenatal program. A recent… Continue reading Online prenatal program: Survey results
Cleaning and pregnancy: Safety tips
Let’s face it! Every day we are exposed to all kinds of things that affects our health – and baby's health. During pregnancy, you may be hearing about the risks of certain environmental hazards and the effects it may have on your unborn baby. During pregnancy, your body is baby's first environment. Many cleaning products… Continue reading Cleaning and pregnancy: Safety tips
Choosing a Health Care Provider
Congratulations, you are pregnant! As an expectant parent, one of the many decisions you will make is choosing a healthcare provider to support you through pregnancy, childbirth and after baby is born. Ideally, prenatal care should begin as early as possible during pregnancy; however seeking prenatal care at any stage of pregnancy can improve health… Continue reading Choosing a Health Care Provider
Placentophagy: What is it?
Eating one's placenta after birth may be surprising for some people, and for others this information may not be new. It is not a common practice; however, the practice appears to be increasing and Health Canada has recently issued a statement regarding the consumption of human placenta and the potential health risk. The placenta is… Continue reading Placentophagy: What is it?
Umbilical cord blood banking: What is it?
Recently at a prenatal class I was asked about umbilical cord blood banking. This family was looking for information about what it is all about and their options for storing cord blood. Pregnancy is a time where you can gather the information needed for you to make the right choice for you and your baby.… Continue reading Umbilical cord blood banking: What is it?
Online prenatal program: What’s it all about?
Toronto Public Health offers pregnant individuals and their families a free online prenatal program. You can learn at your own pace from the comfort of wherever you choose. Why complete this free online prenatal program? There are 29 interactive classes that include video, audio, games and quizzes. Our prenatal program offers educational information and provides… Continue reading Online prenatal program: What’s it all about?
Health risks of cannabis use during pregnancy
The government of Canada legalized cannabis on Oct 17, 2018. Does this mean that it’s safe to use cannabis during pregnancy? Some people have reported that using cannabis during pregnancy helps to manage morning sickness. However, due to the potential risks to the pregnancy, unborn baby and mother, safer approaches should be discussed with a health… Continue reading Health risks of cannabis use during pregnancy