Pregnancy

COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy

Are you or someone you know, pregnant or planning to get pregnant and have questions about taking the COVID-19 vaccine? During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes that may increase the risk of getting sick, including getting viral respiratory infections. The COVID-19 vaccines are very effective in preventing infection. According to the Ministry of… Continue reading COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy

Parenting · Pregnancy

Pregnancy and alcohol: Do they mix?

September is FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) awareness month with September 9th designated as International FASD Awareness Day.  This day was started as a reminder that pregnancy and alcohol don't mix. Why pregnancy and alcohol don't mix: Alcohol can pass from the mother's blood into the baby's blood and affect the growth of the baby's… Continue reading Pregnancy and alcohol: Do they mix?

Breastfeeding · Pregnancy

COVID-19 Vaccine: Planning a pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding

As of April 23, all pregnant individuals in Ontario are eligible to register for COVID-19 vaccination appointments. It is free and available to all eligible residents. An OHIP card is not required to get the vaccine. Many have been asking questions about the vaccine and whether it is safe to be vaccinated when planning a… Continue reading COVID-19 Vaccine: Planning a pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding

Parenting · Pregnancy

Raising awareness about FASD

Alcohol and pregnancy is a topic that has been around for generations. Some common questions and statements related to the use of alcohol during pregnancy include: “Isn’t it OK to have a glass of wine or cider on a special occasion during pregnancy?” “One drink won’t hurt, right?” “My mom drank alcohol when she was… Continue reading Raising awareness about FASD

Parenting · Pregnancy

Medication use when planning a pregnancy

Are you are planning to have a baby or maybe you're just thinking about it and wondering whether the medication you are taking is safe? This is especially important if you have a health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure  when it is necessary to take medication even when you become pregnant. Making… Continue reading Medication use when planning a pregnancy

Parenting · Pregnancy

Chronic hypertension and planning for a baby

Several families have asked me how high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) can affect their plan to have a baby. When a person has higher than normal blood pressure for a long period of time, it is known as chronic hypertension. Planning the best time to have a baby can be different for each… Continue reading Chronic hypertension and planning for a baby

Parenting · Pregnancy

Zika virus: Planning a pregnancy & travelling

When my best friend recently shared with me that she and her partner were planning to start a family, I couldn't be happier.  This exciting news took a turn when she told me they were travelling to their dream destination spot in South America.  Alarm bells went off in my head as I asked if… Continue reading Zika virus: Planning a pregnancy & travelling

Parenting · Pregnancy

Is there a right time to have a baby?

Has your mom told you she's ready for grandkids? Grandma says you need to start having babies before you're too old?  Is your partner either super interested or unimpressed with the whole idea? Is it too early or late to get pregnant? Irida, a current nursing student walks us through the meaning of "the right… Continue reading Is there a right time to have a baby?

Parenting · Pregnancy

How can heat affect fertility or pregnancy?

I've had many parents ask me about whether it is safe to practice hot yoga or use hot tubs when pregnant or trying to get pregnant. You've probably heard about the effects of extreme heat on the body such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but extreme heat can also affect your chances of getting… Continue reading How can heat affect fertility or pregnancy?