Pregnancy
Getting enough folic acid can reduce the risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) and may also reduce the risk for other serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. ...more
Planning AheadDifficulty Getting PregnantNow that You're Pregnant |
Definitions of terms related to the anatomy of a fetus in utero....more
Many hormone levels are affected in the body during pregnancy, with several hormones playing major roles. ...more
Average weight gain for women is between 25 and 35 pounds, although slight deviations from this may also be considered normal. ...more
Nausea and vomiting are common in the first trimester, as is fatigue. Other common discomforts are hemorrhoids and heartburn. ...more
Much back pain in pregnancy is related to the strain on your back from the weight of your growing baby. Using correct posture can help prevent and even relieve some of the pain. ...more
Hemorrhoids and varicose veins might seem to be two different, unrelated problems, but they are actually quite similar. And, many women, especially those in the third trimester of pregnancy, have them. ...more
More
Getting enough folic acid can reduce the risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) and may also reduce the risk for other serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. ...more
A healthy first trimester is crucial to the normal development of your baby. You may not be showing much on the outside, but inside, all the major body organs and systems of the fetus are forming. ...more
First trimester screening combines fetal ultrasound and blood tests for the mother. It’s done during the first trimester of pregnancy, during weeks 1 to 12 or 13. It can help find out the risk of the fetus having certain birth defects. ...more
Managing headaches is especially tricky in the first trimester. This is a time when you should stay away from many medicines. ...more
For many people, the extreme tiredness of the first trimester is quite a surprise. And it's an especially hard transition for those who are normally go-getters with lots of energy. Learn more about what causes this fatigue--and what to do to feel better. ...more
During this trimester, the weight of your growing baby will multiply more than 7 times — and you will start showing more. ...more
Screening is usually performed by taking a sample of the mother's blood between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy (16th to 18th is ideal). ...more
More than ever, men are actively involved throughout the pregnancy experience. The term expectant father really fits, as men support, worry, and plan right along with their pregnant partners. Some of the more common experiences for expectant dads are included here. ...more
Today's society is increasingly mobile, and the demands of career and family often require travel during a woman's pregnancy. Here are some tips and guidance for safe travels while you're pregnant. ...more
For many people, pregnancy brings glowing skin, rosy cheeks, and shiny hair. But others can experience skin changes that aren't so attractive, including acne, dark spots, and stretch marks. Read on to learn more. ...more
The third trimester marks the home stretch for your pregnancy. You may feel more uncomfortable now as you continue to gain weight. You also may have false labor contractions (called Braxton-Hicks contractions). ...more
Much back pain in pregnancy is related to the strain on your back from the weight of your growing baby. Using correct posture can help prevent and even relieve some of the pain. ...more
Back pain is common in pregnancy because of your changing body. Here are ideas on what you can do to cope. ...more
Hemorrhoids and varicose veins might seem to be two different, unrelated problems, but they are actually quite similar. And, many women, especially those in the third trimester of pregnancy, have them. ...more
Chances are good that you're one of many pregnant people who experience the churning and burning of heartburn or acid indigestion. It typically hits somewhere in the second or third trimester, and it can be miserable. ...more
A biophysical profile is a test that is sometimes used during the third trimester of pregnancy. It is often done if there is a question about the baby’s health. This may be because of other test results or certain pregnancy symptoms, or because your pregnancy is high risk. ...more
Certain tests and screenings may be scheduled during your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will advise you on which tests you'll need. ...more
Women with high-risk pregnancies often need a close watch for potential problems or complications. Many tests and procedures are available to monitor the health of both mother and baby....more
Detailed Test & Procedure Guides |
Today's society is increasingly mobile, and the demands of career and family often require travel during a woman's pregnancy. Here are some tips and guidance for safe travels while you're pregnant. ...more
NutritionExercise and WorkRelationships, Sex, and IntimacySafety for You and Your Baby |
With the correct care, most women can enjoy a healthy pregnancy--even with health challenges, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infectious diseases, or sextually transmitted infections. Read on to learn more. ...more
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have bleeding from the vagina, blurry vision, severe headaches, or other specific symptoms. ...more
Some of the more common complications of pregnancy are miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and bleeding. ...more
Types of ComplicationsMultiple Pregnancy |
Labor usually starts 2 weeks before or after the estimated date of delivery. No one knows exactly what sets off the onset of labor. ...more
To get ready for delivery, you may be moved into a birthing room or delivery room. Or you may stay in the same room for both labor and delivery. ...more
Postpartum hemorrhage is more bleeding than normal after the birth of a baby. About 1 in 100 to 5 in 100 women have postpartum hemorrhage. It is more likely with a cesarean birth. It most often happens after the placenta is delivered, but it can also happen later. ...more
Postpartum thyroiditis happens when a person's thyroid becomes inflamed after delivering a baby, or having a miscarriage or abortion. It may first cause your thyroid to be overactive. But over time it leads to an underactive thyroid. This affects a small percentage of pregnant people. ...more
You will need plenty of rest, good nutrition, and help during the first few weeks after your baby is born. ...more
You have a lot of choices when it comes to birth control. Some methods don't need a healthcare provider's visit. But others, like oral contraceptives, are available only by prescription. ...more
Labor and DeliveryProblems After DeliveryTaking Care of Mom |
A pediatrician, family practice healthcare provider, physician's assistant, family nurse practitioner, or pediatric nurse practitioner can be your baby's primary care provider. The medical specialty dealing with children is called pediatrics. ...more
Newborns need just some basic items at first. These include a warm and safe place to sleep, food, clothing, and diapers. Here's a helpful guide to the essentials. ...more
Healthy babies born in a vaginal delivery are usually able to stay with the mother. In many cases, immediate newborn evaluations are performed right in the mother's room. ...more
Because babies born by cesarean may have difficulty clearing some of the lung fluid and mucus, extra suctioning of the nose, mouth, and throat are often needed. ...more
Each newborn baby is carefully checked at birth for signs of problems or complications....more
A complete physical exam is an important part of newborn care. Each body system is carefully checked for signs of health and normal function. ...more
Preparing for Your BabyBaby's Care in the HospitalYour Amazing NewbornBaby's Care at HomeKeeping Your Baby SafeWhen to Call the Doctor |
More
Most newborns adjust well to the outside world. But it's helpful to know about these warning signs that could indicate a possible problem. ...more
Some babies may have difficulty at birth. These include babies who are born prematurely, have a difficult delivery, or have birth defects. Here's what you need to know. ...more
A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered premature or born too early. The number of premature births in the U.S. is rising. Twins and other multiples are more likely to be premature than single birth babies. ...more
Very low birth weight is a term used to describe babies who are born weighing less than 3 pounds, 4 ounces. It is very rare that babies are born this tiny. Only about 1 in 100 babies born in the U.S. are very low birth weight. ...more
In most cases, sex during pregnancy is safe. In fact, with your healthcare provider's approval, sexual relations can continue until delivery. ...more
Chronic lung disease is the general term for long-term breathing problems in premature babies. It’s also called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Here's what you need to know about this condition. ...more
The NICUProblems and ConditionsBirth Defects and Genetic Disorders |
More
Choosing how to feed your baby is an important decision that has life-long effects for your baby and for you. ...more
It's important to feed your baby a variety of healthy foods at the correct time. Learn more with this helpful guide. ...more
Detailed information on bottle-feeding, including information on the different types of baby formulas. ...more
Breastfeeding BasicsBreastfeeding DifficultiesGoing Back to WorkPumping and Storing Breast MilkBreastfeeding Your High-Risk Newborn |
When you are trying to have a baby, fertile times are an important factor. Use this information about your cycles to help to predict your more fertile times and when you will ovulate....more
It is important to know your estimated due date in order to help plan for the baby's birth....more
Do you know the health risks of smoking? Avoiding them can help you have a healthy pregnancy and baby....more
Test your knowledge of which behaviors are most helpful and harmful to your developing baby....more
Having a baby is a life-changing event, so it’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. However, if your spirits are down despite your new bundle of joy, it may be a sign of postpartum depression. Take our online assessment to help determine your risk....more
Exercise during pregnancy helps keep your body strong and your baby healthy. But there are some exercises that you shouldn’t do. Learn about the changes your body goes through during pregnancy. Find out what you can do to stay fit and healthy....more
Media Results