Improving the Health of Moms and Babies

The Center for Better Beginnings is dedicated to providing services and conducting research that will improve maternal health and infant development. We are a medical division of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of California (UC) San Diego School of Medicine, and our mission is to advance the identification, prevention, and treatment of physical and developmental birth defects that may be caused by exposure to environmental agents during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. “Environmental agents” refer to prescription and over-the-counter medications; vitamins, minerals, supplements, and herbal products; infections and vaccines; foods and beverages; substances of use/abuse; maternal health conditions; workplace exposures, and much more.

Our Research

We examine how maternal health and infant health and development can be impacted by the medical conditions, medications, vaccines, and substances of use/abuse to which a woman may be exposed during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Our Services

We educate women, healthcare providers, and the general public about the potential risk of environmental exposures during pregnant and while breastfeeding by providing up-to-date, evidence-based information.