The fast-acting nasal spray esketamine, marketed as SpravatoTM, was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression in individuals whose depression has been resistant to at least two medications. Structurally, esketamine is an enantiomer, or mirror image, of ketamine and works by a similar mechanism.

A large European study below, further supports our suggestions for some years that the use of antidepressants during pregnancy does not harm the infant’s intellectual capacity later on.

Kratom was on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) list of drugs of concern since 20051 and was almost reclassified as a Schedule I drug in 2016. The reclassification was eventually put on hold due to massive public outcry and Kratom currently remains legal in most states in the U.S.2 However, there is no question that the number of Kratom exposures in the US is on the rise.

At present there is enormous concern about the birth defects believed associated with infections for an old virus called Zika during pregnancy. Information concerning the Zika Virus and its implication in microcephaly has been reported in many countries, including the USA.

During pregnancy there is an increased demand for certain vitamins and nutrients to ensure proper and adequate growth of the fetus. Prenatal vitamins generally contain higher levels of <a href="http://www.infantrisk.com/content/folic-acid-overview-metabolism-dosages-and-benefits-optimal-periconception-supplementation">folic acid</a>, iron, and calcium to meet this increased need. &nbsp;It is important to note that prenatal vitamins are not required when these nutrients are obtained through a healthy diet consisting of copious amounts of fruits and vegetables. However, if the patient chooses to supplement her diet with prenatal vitamins, she should first discuss her options with her attending physician to determine suitability. There are many different types of prenatal vitamins, and a physician will be able to discern which one is most appropriate for the patient.

Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory tract. It is especially risky in pregnant women and increases the risk of premature delivery, abortion, and stillbirth. Pregnant women are also at an increased risk of complications from the virus. These complications include pneumonia followed by ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) requiring hospitalization and mechanical ventilation.

Many women are concerned about using insect repellents during pregnancy, however, mosquito borne illnesses can be dangerous during pregnancy. Two examples of mosquito transmitted illnesses are malaria and the west nile virus. Both can be avoided by avoiding mosquito bites. Insect repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are the most effective and widely used. They are also the most studied during pregnancy and lactation.

Current studies indicate that approximately 4% of women in the USA use illicit drugs while pregnant. Seventy five percent of these cases report the use of marijuana. Despite the widespread use of this product, the public is not aware of the potential neurobehavioral effects of this drug on the fetus or the newborn infant.