The HEALTHY PREGNANCY HUB provides tools to help future parents and healthcare professionals to have a discussion to make an informed decision about medication intake during pregnancy. Our evidence-based content, reviewed by our teams of experts across Canada, focus on health conditions encountered during pregnancy and the risks and benefits of associated medication during this sensitive period. We have content and format to please everyone.
We have developed various resources, including FactSheets on medications and medical conditions, along with short videos, podcasts, and infographics. We actively engage with our audience through social media and community discussions, especially with Black communities, Newcomers, and Inuit from Nunavut, to hear their perspectives. All our content supports our AI-generated chatbot, making information easily accessible to users.
Lead investigator(s) involved
Anick Bérard, PhD FCAHS FISPE
Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine, Quebec
Dre Bérard has cross-training in epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, and genetics from McGill University, Harvard Medical School, and Stanford University. She is full professor of perinatal epidemiology at the University of Montreal, Faculty of Pharmacy, and CHU Ste-Justine in Montreal; and adjunct professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the Université Claude Bernard in Lyon, France. Dr Bérard holds a Canada Research Chair Tier 1 on Medications and Pregnancy; and University of Montreal’s Louis-Boivin research chair on « Medications, pregnancy and lactation ». Anick Bérard is also Director of the Research Unit on Medications and Pregnancy at CHU Ste-Justine; Director of the FRQS Réseau Québécois de recherche sur les médicaments; Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Science, and of the International Society of Pharmacoepidemiology; and a voting member of the Birth Defects Research Society. Dr. Bérard has published over 500 scientific papers, abstracts and patents, and has obtained over 37 million dollars in funding from CIHR, CFI, and FRQS as principal investigator. She recently received a Most Distinguished Scientist Award from the International Teratology Society for her work on antidepressants, maternal depression, and pregnancy; and a research career award from the Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada.
What do you wish people knew about the topic you are working on?
Every pregnancy is unique; it has its own environment, joys, challenges, and symptoms varying from one person to another and even from one pregnancy to another. In some cases, taking medication is the best choice for the health of both the mother and the baby.
Over 75% of pregnant individuals take medications, but information about their safety during this period is often limited. We believe that with all the necessary information, everyone will have the tools to discuss with their healthcare team and make informed decisions for a HEALTHY PREGNANCY.
This is why we have gathered a team of over 70 national researchers and more than 2,000 patient partners to provide accessible information based on scientific research.
Whether you are a future parent, a member of a perinatal healthcare professional team, or simply curious, this site will change how you get informed about medications during pregnancy.
Community partners and their role in the Hub
We engage with our community through meaningful partnerships and direct outreach efforts. By collaborating with local organizations, healthcare providers, and cultural groups, we ensure our resources address the diverse needs of the populations we serve, including Black communities, Newcomers, and Inuit from Nunavut. We actively listen to their perspectives through community discussions learning about their preferred way to learn about medication during pregnancy and tailor our content to reflect their unique experiences and interests. For example, survey shared with our social media community revealed interest into learning about gestational diabetes which was the topic feature in our latest short video “Placenta and Sugar: A Balance to Test!” which can be seen here. Additionally, we use social media, events, and in-person activities to share information and encourage dialogue. These efforts help us build trust, foster connection, and ensure our work remains responsive and inclusive.
How would you describe the objective(s) of your Hub in the simplest terms?
We aim to create an interactive platform to provide accessible, reliable, evidence-based, and culturally-sensitive information on medication during pregnancy to encourage informed decision.
How might being a part of a coalition like this one strengthen your work and impact?
Being part of this coalition strengthen our work by providing access to a network of experts and resources, allowing for greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing. It enhances our ability to stay informed about the latest research and best practices in maternal health, ensuring that our content remains current and accurate. Collaborating with diverse stakeholders also broaden our outreach and enable us to address the needs of underrepresented communities more effectively. By joining forces with other organizations, we amplify our impact, create more comprehensive tools, and foster meaningful discussions about medication safety during pregnancy on a larger scale.
Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter
Website: www.healthypregnancyhub.ca
Link to subscribe to our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iIGyHI
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@grossesseensante
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SWL38OKUmu15FWidVD1Iq?si=881a2a0f785f4a57
Connect with us on social media
Facebook: @healthypregnancyhub
Instagram: @healthypregnancyhub
TikTok: @healthypregnancyhub
Check out our hashtag: #HealthyPregnancyHub
Contact information
Reach us at [email protected]
