Hot Topics     Home and Family    

Summertime Also Can Mean Lyme Time



What Pregnant Moms Need to Know

summer, lyme disease, pregnant, moms

Those of us that live in the Hudson Valley know we live in “tick central.”  As the seasons change from spring to summer, it’s always a good idea to go over a few things about those dreaded little tiny crawly things that fall from trees, come into your house on your pet, or just suddenly appear.  And that can transmit Lyme disease.

Do you transmit Lyme to your unborn child?

It’s a bit more worrisome for pregnant moms. Getting diagnosed with Lyme disease is distressing enough when not pregnant, but the idea of transmitting it to your baby-to-be can make you even more concerned. Luckily, doctors say that Lyme disease does not cause any additional risk to your pregnancy or the health of your little one. Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that’s known to cause Lyme disease, isn’t normally transmitted from mother to unborn baby.

Infants born to mothers with Lyme disease do not require any additional treatment. While rare reports have shown that babies born to moms with Lyme have been diagnosed with heart defects, the research is inconclusive and unclear. Most doctors think that the reports are so rare that they may just be coincidences. 

What to do if you suspect you have Lyme Disease?

It bears repeating: Getting diagnosed early on is key so that the antibiotics can start to work on the disease, and you can avoid the more serious later stage complications. Lyme disease can be safely treated when you’re pregnant with antibiotics like amoxicillin. While doxycycline is an effective treatment for Lyme disease, it is not considered safe during pregnancy. Azithromycin also may not be safe to take.

Source: https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/lyme-disease-during-pregnancy/#howcanlymediseaseaffectmybaby



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Get Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs

    Third Annual Orange County District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby

    The Third District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby will run from April 1 through Sept. 4, 2023. The event is open to young people between the ages of 4 and 18 who are children or grandchildren of Orange County residents. read more »
  • Kids aren't eating fruits and veggies

    Happiest Baby's Dr. Harvey Karp has tips to change that

    A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that approximately 32% of 1- to 5-year-olds did not eat a single piece of fruit a day and nearly one half (~49%) didn't eat any vegetables a day. Roughly 51% drank a sugar-sweetened beverage, like fruit drinks or soda, at least once a week. read more »
  • 5 sleep habits essential for heart health

    Make sure you get your zzz's with these tips

    In the days following a time change due to daylight saving time, research shows a marked increase in heart attacks and strokes. However, losing sleep anytime can be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. read more »
  • Take these 6 steps to manage your blood pressure

    Hypertension can be dangerous

    High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects nearly half of adults in the United States, and only about 1 in 4 with this condition have it under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). read more »
  • Make your St. Patrick's Day spread green with envy

    These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or an appetizer

    Freshen up your St. Patrick’s Day menu with easy, light sandwiches inspired by the traditional color of the festivities. These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or even as an appetizer for get-togethers with friends and family. read more »
  • Lucky mint brownie perfection

    A twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate

    How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.” This dessert might just be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this year. read more »
  • 3 ways parents can encourage social emotional learning in children

    Parents focus on social emotional skills, mental health, kindness and understanding differences

    Most parents would agree the quality of their children’s education plays a key role in their overall development. While parents are optimistic about the future of education, they also recognize children have educational needs beyond what is considered the standard. read more »
  • Selecting a health care provider

    Resources to guide your selection

    Getting health care for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility, especially if you’re just getting started with Medicare or have changes in your life, such as a new diagnosis of a condition or disease. It can be overwhelming if you need services like nursing home care, have to find a new doctor or get home health care. read more »
  • 5 simple solutions for proper nasal hygiene

    Keep your nasal passages clean, clear and moisturized

    Your nose is essential for conditioning the air you breathe and serves as the first line of defense against dust, pollution, bacteria, viruses and more. The presence of these substances in your nasal passages can trigger infections, disease and illness. read more »
  • Have a bump on your foot?

    Don’t ignore it

    Have a lump or bump on your foot? Whether it’s painful or not, it could potentially signal a serious condition. Foot and ankle surgeons warn it’s important to have it checked out, no matter its size or location on your foot. read more »