As a state and federal-funded program, MotherToBaby CT provides free, confidential, up-to-date information on all types of exposures for individuals who are considering a pregnancy, pregnant, or nursing. This service can also provide information to health care providers.
Information is provided by teratogen information specialists and genetic counselors. A teratogen refers to any agent that can cause a birth defect or adverse pregnancy outcome.
Who Should Consider This Service?
Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding and their partners, those planning a pregnancy, individuals considering adoption and have questions about birth mom’s exposures, or health care providers may contact this service for information regarding:
- Medications
- Use of drugs or alcohol
- Infectious diseases
- Medical conditions
- Pesticides
- Radiation
- Occupational and environmental exposures (referred to Occupational and Environmental Reproductive Hazards Clinic)
Common Questions
- Can the medicine I take affect my baby?
- What effect can drinking alcohol have on my baby?
- Can the medicines or chemicals my partner is exposed to affect our getting pregnant or the baby?
- I received a COVID-19 vaccine and then found out that I am pregnant. Is this harmful?
- Can the chemicals at my workplace hurt my pregnancy?
- I have used marijuana. Have I hurt my baby?
- Can I continue taking my medication when I’m breastfeeding?
What to Expect When You Call or Email MotherToBaby CT
- Your inquiry will be kept confidential.
- You will be asked about your exposures to medications, chemicals, and illnesses. Please have available: doses, dates of exposure(s), and your last menstrual period or due date.
- You will be asked about your health and your previous pregnancies.
- Your case will be assigned to a counselor who will contact you with information about your exposure.
- In more complex cases, you may need to wait several days while information is collected and reviewed.
- If the information is extensive or complicated, you may be asked to come in for an in-person discussion. This visit is free of charge.
- Later, you may be asked for information about the outcome of your pregnancy.
Occupational and Environmental Reproductive Hazards Clinic
MotherToBaby, CT is working with the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine to provide recommendations that prevent or reduce exposures at work that may have a harmful effect on the health of the person who is pregnant, fertility, a pregnancy, and the baby’s development.
Evaluation of the workplace is especially helpful for those who are considering pregnancy. Then measures can be taken to prevent harmful exposures before pregnancy. However, evaluation is also helpful after you have learned that you are pregnant, so recommendations can be made to reduce or remove exposures that may be of concern.
A fee is charged for this consultation, but it is generally covered by most insurances.
The clinic can be contacted through MotherToBaby CT at 860-679-6199 or MotherToBaby@uchc.edu.
Facts to Remember
- Any person who gets pregnant has a 3-5% chance of having a child with a medically significant birth defect. This is called the general population’s background chance.
- Most substances taken by pregnant person will not harm the unborn baby. However, some may cause a birth defect or other problems if taken at a critical time in the pregnancy.
- For any exposure during pregnancy, the benefits must be weighed against the potential harm.
MotherToBaby CT is supported by UConn Health, the Connecticut State Department of Health, and the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS).
