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Your searched on: pregnancy and childbirth
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Provides links to info on pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period. Offers interactive tool to calculate your due date. Also links to interactive tool that shows how an embryo grows into a baby.
Pregnancy: Should I Have an Epidural During Childbirth?
Guides you through decision to have an epidural during childbirth. Lists benefits and risks. Lists other ways to control labor pain. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Asthma During Pregnancy
Covers questions about asthma during pregnancy and labor. Looks at treatment with medicines. Includes treatment of allergies. Covers safety of steroids for pregnant mother and baby.
Childbirth: Strep Infections During Delivery
Group B strep infection is caused by a type of bacteria. It's a different kind of bacteria than the kind that causes strep throat. You may have this kind of bacteria in your body. Sometimes it may cause an infection, but most of the time it doesn't make you sick or cause symptoms. But if you pass the bacteria to your...
Pregnancy: Deciding Where to Deliver
You have a choice of where to deliver your baby. Unless you have a high-risk pregnancy, you can decide to have your baby in a hospital, in a birthing center, or at home. Each of these options has pros and cons. Things you may want to think about include: Who you want to deliver your baby. What pain-relief options you...
Spinal and Epidural Pain Relief for Childbirth
Spinal and epidural pain relief methods are used to block pain from an entire region of the body. They use numbing medicine given near the spinal cord. They can be used for either a vaginal birth or a cesarean delivery (C-section). They partly or fully numb your belly and lower body.
Childbirth: Pudendal Block
To relieve pain during the second (pushing) stage of labor, an injection called a pudendal block can be given through the vaginal wall and into the pudendal nerve in the pelvis. This numbs the area between the vagina and anus. It doesn't relieve the pain of contractions. A pudendal block works fast, is easily given, and...
Childbirth: Epidurals
An epidural for childbirth, called an "epidural" for short, is a tiny tube that puts pain medicine directly into the area in your back around your spinal cord. This area is called the epidural space. An epidural can be used during childbirth to partly or fully numb the lower body. The amount of medicine you get will...
After Childbirth: Pelvic Bone Problems
Separated pubic symphysis The left and right bones of your pelvic girdle are joined at the front by a narrow section of cartilage and ligament. This is called the pubic symphysis, or symphysis pubis. As the pelvic bones loosen during pregnancy, the pubic symphysis can separate. This isn't a dangerous condition. But it...
After Childbirth: Coping and Adjusting
It's easy to get too tired and overwhelmed during your first weeks after childbirth. Be sure to rest whenever you can, and accept help from others. Be kind to yourself. Your new baby takes a lot of work, but your baby can give you a lot of pleasure too. Don't worry about housekeeping for a while. Allow your friends or...
Childbirth: Perineal Massage Before Labor
During childbirth, the perineum stretches and often tears. The perineum is the muscle and tissue between the anus and the vagina. One step you could take that might help prevent tearing is to stretch and massage the perineum for a few weeks before your due date. Studies show that some people who did regular perineal...
Childbirth Classes
A childbirth education class can teach you and your partner a lot. This is especially true if it's your first pregnancy. If a friend is going to be your labor coach, they can come too. A good time to start the class is in your sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. Most childbirth education classes will: Give you good...
Nonmedical Options for Pain Relief in Childbirth
Learn about nonmedical pain relief options for childbirth.
Childbirth: I.V. Medicines
Intravenous (I.V.) medicines may be used in childbirth to help with pain during labor. They also may help you relax. They include opioids and other medicines. You may get one or more medicines through an I.V. How are these medicines given? A nurse will insert a small tube into a vein in your arm (intravenously, or...
Sex After Childbirth
For a while after childbirth, don't be surprised if you have little interest in sex. Physical recovery, exhaustion, and hormonal changes often affect sexuality after childbirth. Each woman's experience is different. Together, you and your partner can connect emotionally and physically by knowing ahead of time what is...
Breathing Techniques for Childbirth
As your due date draws nearer, learn and practice controlled breathing techniques for pain management during childbirth. Concentrating on your breathing can help distract you from pain, relax both your muscles and your mind, and keep your oxygen supply up. If you haven't learned specific breathing techniques (such as...
Childbirth: Is Planning a C-Section a Good Choice?
A cesarean section is the delivery of a baby through a cut (incision) in the mother's belly and uterus. It's often called a C-section. Sometimes a C-section is needed for the safety of the mother or baby. In most cases, doctors do a C-section because of problems during labor. For example: Labor is slow and hard or stops...
Childbirth Afterpains
Afterpains are sharp pains in the belly that occur in the first few days after childbirth. They may cause some discomfort. But afterpains help reduce uterine bleeding. They also help shrink the uterus back to the size it was before you were pregnant. You are most likely to notice these pains when you breastfeed...
Childbirth: Laboring in Water and Water Delivery
Laboring in water Some hospitals and birthing centers offer tubs or whirlpools for labor. If yours does, talk to your doctor or midwife about laboring in water. The warm water supports your body and can help you to relax. Laboring in water also may reduce the chance that you'll use an epidural for pain management...
After Childbirth: Urination and Bowel Problems
It may be difficult to urinate for a day or two after delivery. And you may urinate more than usual for days or weeks after delivery. Your body is getting rid of the extra fluid from pregnancy. You may also sweat heavily as you lose the extra fluid. If you had an incision ( episiotomy) or a tear in your vagina during...
Doulas and Support During Childbirth
Learn how a doula can help support you during childbirth.
Local Anesthesia for Childbirth
Local anesthesia for childbirth is most commonly given as a shot that numbs the area around the vagina just before an episiotomy is done. An episiotomy is a cut made in the tissue between the vagina and anus just before the baby's head starts to emerge. (The tissue is called the perineum.) The cut makes the vaginal...
Childbirth Pain Relief Options
Learn about pain relief options for childbirth, including medical and nonmedical options.
Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy
Even before you get pregnant, you can help make your pregnancy as healthy as possible. Take these steps: See a doctor or certified nurse-midwife for an exam. Talk about the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Discuss any health problems or concerns you have. Don't take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)...
Pregnancy: Chemicals, Cosmetics, and Radiation
Chemical exposure Take care during pregnancy to protect your developing baby (fetus) from harmful chemicals. Avoid pesticides, household cleaners, and paint. Fumes from these substances can be harmful to a baby, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Use chemical-free cleaning alternatives while you're...
Childbirth: Pudendal Block
To relieve pain during the second (pushing) stage of labor, an injection called a pudendal block can be given through the vaginal wall. It goes into the pudendal nerve in the pelvis. This numbs the area between the vagina and anus. It doesn't relieve the pain of contractions. A pudendal block works fast. It's easy to...
Pregnancy: Blood Clots
Learn what blood clots are and how they can happen during and after pregnancy.
Molar Pregnancy
What is a molar pregnancy? A molar pregnancy means that tissue that normally becomes a fetus instead becomes an abnormal growth in your uterus. Even though it isn't an embryo, this growth triggers symptoms of pregnancy. This tissue can cause serious problems in some cases. So a molar pregnancy should be treated right...
Passing Tissue During Pregnancy
It may be hard to tell if you have passed tissue, because when you pass tissue you may also pass large blood clots. Tissue may appear gray or pink. Passing tissue may be a sign of miscarriage. If you pass tissue or have moderate bleeding any time during pregnancy, call your doctor immediately. If possible, collect the...
Week 8 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
During this stage, the pregnancy is called an embryo. Wondering what an embryo looks like at 8 weeks? It is now about the size of an olive. How the embryo is changing Here are some of the important facts and developments around 8 weeks. The embryo starts out looking like a tiny seed, and then like a tadpole with a tail...
Week 16 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
By now, you may be looking a little more pregnant on the outside. And inside, your baby is starting to look more human and may even have sprouted a little bit of hair. Wondering what your baby looks like at 16 weeks? Your baby is now about the size of an avocado. Average baby length is 4.7 in. (120 mm). How your baby is...
Week 20 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
By week 20, you've probably felt your baby move. It may not feel like an obvious kick—yet! Instead, your baby's first movements might feel like "butterflies" or gas bubbles. Wondering what your baby looks like at 20 weeks? Your baby is now about the size of a red pepper. Average baby length is 6.3 in. (160 mm). How your...
Week 24 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
By week 24, you may have noticed some jerking movements inside your belly—or even seen them on the outside! Repetitive, jerky movements usually mean your baby has the hiccups. Hiccups are perfectly normal and can last anywhere from a minute to an hour. Babies at this stage can also now suck their thumbs and open and...
Week 28 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
At 28 weeks, your baby may be moving a lot more—and possibly keeping you up at night! Babies find the movement and noise of daytime hours to be soothing. So they often sleep during the day and are awake at night. Wondering what your baby looks like at 28 weeks? Your baby is now about the size of a large eggplant...
Home Pregnancy Tests
Home pregnancy tests can find the presence of a pregnancy hormone (called human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG) in a sample of urine. High levels of hCG are made during pregnancy. The home tests have similar results to the pregnancy tests done on urine in most doctors' offices if they are used exactly as instructed...
Nausea or Vomiting During Pregnancy
Many women have problems with nausea and sometimes vomiting ( morning sickness) during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. For some women, morning sickness may be one of the first signs of pregnancy. The term "morning sickness" can be misleading, because symptoms can occur at any time of the day. The causes of morning...
Symptoms of Pregnancy
You may be pregnant if you: Have had sexual intercourse and you have not used any method of birth control. Have missed one or more periods. Have your period, but there is a lot less bleeding than usual. Take birth control pills, but you missed a pill. It is especially risky to miss a pill early in the cycle or pack or...
Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy
The following guidelines will help you determine the severity of your vaginal bleeding. Severe bleeding means you are soaking through your usual pads or tampons each hour for 2 or more hours. For most women, soaking through their usual pads or tampons every hour for 2 or more hours is not normal and is considered...
Pregnancy: Choosing a Doctor or Midwife
You have a choice about who will deliver your baby. Doctors and midwives are trained to provide medical care and support before, during, and after the birth. Doctors and midwives share the same goal. They want you and your baby to be healthy. But their training and approaches may be different. Doctors Doctors have more...
Nitrous Oxide Pain Relief for Childbirth
Nitrous oxide is a gas that is sometimes used during childbirth to help relieve pain. It won't put you to sleep. It may be used with other pain relief options. How is it given? You'll get a mouthpiece or mask to breath in the nitrous oxide when you need it. You should feel the effects soon after taking it. Because it...
Pregnancy: Dealing With Morning Sickness
Briefly discusses managing morning sickness. Offer tips to manage nausea and vomiting.
Depression During Pregnancy
Who is at risk for depression during pregnancy? If you had depression before you became pregnant, you're more likely to have it during your pregnancy. Or you may have it for the first time when you're pregnant. It may be more likely if you feel anxious about your pregnancy or if you've had problems with a pregnancy...
Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy
Discusses risks to the fetus when someone gets toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. Covers common symptoms like swollen glands. Discusses treatment with antibiotics. Covers how to avoid toxoplasmosis, including avoiding raw meat and contact with cat feces.
Quick Tips: Healthy Pregnancy Habits
Here are ways you can have a healthy pregnancy. See your doctor or midwife regularly. Visit your doctor or midwife as soon as you suspect you are pregnant. Go to all of your prenatal checkups. Get treatment for all infections. Call your doctor or midwife if you have signs of an infection during pregnancy, such as a...
Cholestasis of Pregnancy
Learn about cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver problem that can happen when you're pregnant. Includes info on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and self-care.
Pregnancy and Diabetes: Planning for Pregnancy
If you have diabetes and are planning to become pregnant, meet with your doctor. Things to discuss include: Your A1c goal, your medicine for diabetes, and your weight. Whether your immunizations are up-to-date and whether you're getting enough folic acid. The safety of any prescription and over-the-counter medicines and...
Nutrition During Pregnancy
Your nutrition needs increase during pregnancy. Your body needs protein, carbohydrate, and fats for energy. Good sources of these nutrients include: Lean protein. Examples include fish that are low in mercury, poultry without skin, low-fat milk products, and beans and peas (legumes). Fish that are low in mercury include...
Alcohol or Drug Use During Pregnancy
One of the most important things you can do when you're pregnant is to avoid alcohol and drugs. During pregnancy, everything you eat, drink, or take into your body affects you and your growing baby. Using alcohol or drugs while you're pregnant can cause serious problems. It can cause problems for you during your...
Pregnancy
As soon as you think you might be pregnant, visit your doctor or midwife. Your health in the early weeks of your pregnancy is particularly important. During your pregnancy, you'll have regular checkups. These prenatal visits can help you have a safe and healthy pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife is watching for problems...
Pregnancy: Hemorrhoids and Constipation
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins at the end of the large intestine ( anus). They often stick out from the anus (external hemorrhoids). They can also be located on the inside of the lower intestine (internal hemorrhoids). Bleeding, itching, and pain are common hemorrhoid symptoms. Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy...
High-Risk Pregnancy
What is a high-risk pregnancy? Your pregnancy is called high-risk if you or your baby has an increased chance of having a health problem. These problems include slowed growth of the baby, preterm labor, preeclampsia, and a problem with the placenta. Many things can make a pregnancy high-risk, from a current condition...
Pregnancy: Should I Bank My Baby's Umbilical Cord Blood?
Guides through decision to have your baby's umbilical cord blood banked. Discusses reasons for umbilical cord blood banking and describes what it means. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Fatigue During Pregnancy
Most women struggle with feeling very tired when they are pregnant. This tiredness, or fatigue, is most common during the first and third trimesters. During the first trimester, your developing baby (fetus) is growing quickly. Your body is producing higher levels of progesterone. This hormone has been linked to...
Leg Cramps During Pregnancy
Leg cramps are common during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. And they happen most often at night. Doctors don't know exactly what causes leg cramps during pregnancy. Here are some things you can do to help relieve a leg cramp. Stretch your leg (flex your toes toward your head). Place a heating...
Partner Support During Pregnancy
Why is it important to support your partner during pregnancy? Pregnancy is usually a time of excitement. But sometimes, pregnant women and their partners may feel like they're expecting a bundle of anxiety along with the joy. They have a long list of to-dos. They have to cope with the changes and unknowns that come with...
Pregnancy: Changes in Bowel Habits
Constipation and hemorrhoids are common problems during pregnancy. Constipation Constipation causes less frequent and more strained bowel movements. The bowels commonly move more slowly when you're pregnant. And iron in prenatal vitamins also can cause constipation during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids are swollen...
Pregnancy: Pelvic and Hip Pain
It's normal to get aches and pains in your hips and pelvic area when you're pregnant. Pregnancy hormones are relaxing your ligaments. This loosens up your pelvic bones so they can shift and open for childbirth. Try these tips to manage pelvic and hip pain. Lie on your back, propped up on your elbows or a pillow. Then...
Pregnancy: Hair Changes
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect how your hair looks and feels. Hair loss slows down, and hair growth can increase. You may notice that your hair is thicker and healthier-looking than usual. But in some cases, hair may become more limp and lifeless during pregnancy. Hair may appear on other parts of your...
Pregnancy: First Prenatal Visit
Your first prenatal visit will probably be the longest visit you'll have. Your doctor or midwife will take your medical history and do a complete physical exam. You may also have some tests. This will provide information that can be used to check for any problems as your pregnancy progresses. Medical history Your doctor...
Pregnancy: Hand Changes
During pregnancy, changes in the hands are common. Mild swelling of your hands may be caused by the normal buildup of fluid during pregnancy. Red, itchy palms and soles of the feet are caused by changing hormone levels. The symptoms go away after delivery. Moisturizers may give some relief. An occasional...
Anemia During Pregnancy
Anemia means your red blood cell level is low. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Anemia can happen when you're pregnant because your body is working hard to make more blood to help your baby grow. Anemia during a healthy pregnancy is common. Sometimes anemia during pregnancy can be...
Pregnancy: Nosebleeds and Bleeding Gums
You may get nosebleeds during pregnancy. That's because there is more blood flow to the tissue inside the nose (mucous membranes) when you are pregnant. There are things you can do to help prevent nosebleeds, such as using a humidifier. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine. You also have more blood flow to the...
Pregnancy: Hot Tub and Sauna Use
Raising your core body temperature is called hyperthermia. It can harm your developing baby (fetus). It's most harmful during the early weeks when the organs are forming. Experts don't forbid hot tub or sauna use. But they do advise caution. Hyperthermia during the first weeks of pregnancy has been linked to neural tube...
Pregnancy-Related Problems
Briefly discusses symptoms that may show a serious problem during pregnancy. Covers vaginal bleeding, fever, and swelling. Describes emergency symptoms like shock, seizures, and leaks from your vagina. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Breast Changes During Pregnancy
As the rest of your body changes during pregnancy, your breasts change too. They are getting ready to make and supply milk for your baby. First-trimester changes In the first trimester (weeks 1 to 13): Your breasts may start to feel swollen and tender. Your nipples may stick out more than usual. Your breasts may start...
Massage Therapy During Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, you can use massage therapy to relax and to help relieve muscle tension and pain. But take the following precautions to help make sure that massage is safe. Tell your massage therapist that you are pregnant. Be sure that your massage therapist has special training in pregnancy massage. Also check...
Dental Care During Pregnancy
It's important to take care of your body when you are pregnant. This includes your teeth and gums. A healthy mouth—and good dental habits—will help you and your baby. Taking care of your teeth while you are pregnant helps prevent cavities and other dental problems. Brush, floss, and try to limit sugary foods and drinks...
Exercise During Pregnancy
Exercise is good for healthy pregnant women who are receiving prenatal care. Try to do at least 2½ hours a week of moderate exercise. One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. It's fine to be active in blocks of 10 minutes or more throughout your day and week. Exercise can improve your...
Rh Sensitization During Pregnancy
What is Rh sensitization during pregnancy? You may have Rh-negative blood, and your baby may have Rh-positive blood. If the two types of blood mix, your body will make antibodies. This is called Rh sensitization. In most cases, this isn't a problem the first time you're pregnant. But in future pregnancies, sensitization...
Pregnancy: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands are common during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. These problems are usually caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. They usually go away after pregnancy. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. This nerve runs through a small space...
Pregnancy: Stretch Marks, Itching, and Skin Changes
Common skin changes during pregnancy include stretch marks, darkening of parts of the skin, and tiny reddish, purplish, or dark areas on the skin. These changes usually fade after pregnancy. Acne may either get worse or clear up during pregnancy. Stretch marks Stretch marks are lines on the skin that may appear late in...
Pregnancy: Ways to Find Your Due Date
There are several ways for your doctor or midwife to figure out how long you have been pregnant. They help you predict when you are likely to have your baby. This is called your due date. The due date is only an estimate of when your baby will be born. Most women deliver within 14 days of their due date. To find out how...
Anxiety During and After Pregnancy
This article discusses anxiety during and after pregnancy, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Covers self-care at home.
Pregnancy: Dropping (Lightening)
At the end of the third trimester, the baby settles, or drops lower, into the mother's pelvis. This is known as dropping or lightening. Dropping is not a good predictor of when labor will begin. In first-time mothers, dropping usually occurs 2 to 4 weeks before delivery, but it can happen earlier. In women who have...
Swelling During Pregnancy
You may have some mild swelling because of normal fluid buildup during pregnancy. It's most common in the face, hands, and feet. As your pregnancy continues, your uterus puts pressure on blood vessels that go to your legs. This may cause swelling in your feet and ankles. Normally, foot swelling gets worse during the day...
Medicines During Pregnancy
Medicines you can take during pregnancy It can be hard to know if a medicine is safe for your baby. Most medicines are not studied in pregnant women. That's because researchers worry about how the medicines might affect the baby. But some medicines have been taken for so long by so many women that doctors have a good...
Pregnancy: Kick Counts
Counting your baby's kicks is one way your doctor can tell that your baby is healthy. You will probably feel your baby move for the first time between 16 and 22 weeks. The movement may feel like flutters rather than kicks. Your baby may move more at certain times of the day. When you are active, you may notice less...
Pregnancy: Work and School Issues
Many women work or go to school (or both) while they are pregnant. It can keep you active and engaged. You can probably keep working right up to your due date if there are no problems with your pregnancy. Women who have uncomplicated pregnancies can usually keep working or going to school until they go into labor. On...
Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Pregnancy
Antiphospholipid syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease that has been closely linked to some cases of recurrent miscarriage. This syndrome increases blood clotting. It can cause dangerous blood clots (thrombosis) and problems with blood flow. Sometimes the only sign of this syndrome is an early miscarriage. Or, later in...
Post-Term Pregnancy
Most pregnancies last 37 to 42 weeks. Your pregnancy is post-term (or post-date) when you are at 42 or more weeks. When you get to 40 weeks, your doctor will look at your health and the baby's health and decide whether to wait for natural labor. You may have tests to make sure everything is okay. If you and the baby...
Week 12 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
By week 12, you can now hear a fetus's heartbeat with a Doppler heart monitor. Wondering what a fetus looks like at 12 weeks? It is now about the size of a lime. How a fetus is changing Here are some important changes that happen around this time. By 10 weeks of pregnancy, an embryo has nearly all of the body structures...
Week 32 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
Around this time, your baby is getting ready to do a very important thing that they will need to do in the outside world: Breathe. Wondering what your baby looks like at 32 weeks? Your baby is now about the size of a cabbage. Average baby length is 11 in. (280 mm). And average baby weight is 3.7 lb (1700 g). How your...
Week 36 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
At this time, your baby may be spending a lot of time upside down. This "head-down" position can be more comfortable for your baby because of the pear shape of your uterus. It's also easier to give birth if your baby's head comes out first. Wondering what your baby looks like at 36 weeks? Your baby is now about the size...
Week 40 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
At 40 weeks, you have reached your due date. Your baby could be coming any day. Wondering what your baby looks like at 40 weeks? Your baby is now about the size of a small watermelon. Average baby length is 20 in. (50 cm). And average baby weight is 8 lb (3400 g). How your baby is changing Here are some of the important...
Pregnancy: Vaginal Discharge and Leaking Fluid
Abnormal vaginal discharge Changing hormone levels during pregnancy can affect the normal balance of organisms in the vagina. If you are pregnant and have abnormal vaginal symptoms, such as vaginal discharge or itching, talk with your doctor about your symptoms before using home treatment measures or nonprescription...
Multiple Pregnancy: Preterm Birth
Pregnancy normally lasts about 40 weeks. When delivery occurs between 20 and 37 weeks of pregnancy, it's called a preterm birth. A baby born early is called preterm (or premature). Preterm babies are sometimes called "preemies." Multiple pregnancies rarely last for the usual 40 weeks. For twins, the average time to...
Pregnancy: Healthy Weight Gain
During pregnancy, lots of women wonder about how their body will change and how much weight they will gain. Maybe this is something that you've been thinking about too. Weight gain is healthy and normal when you're pregnant. And there's no fixed number of pounds that you should be aiming for. Instead, there's a range of...
Obesity and Pregnancy
How does your weight affect your pregnancy? Most pregnant women have healthy babies—and that includes women who are obese. But being very heavy does increase the chance of problems. Babies born to mothers who are obese have a higher risk of: Birth defects, such as a heart defect or neural tube defects. Being too large...
Back Pain During Pregnancy
Most women develop back pain at some point during pregnancy. As the size and weight of your growing belly place more strain on your back, you may notice your posture changing. To protect your back from poor posture, unnecessary strain, and painful injury, follow these guidelines: Avoid standing with your belly pushed...
Pregnancy: Relationship Changes
Pregnancy starts a new phase of your relationship with your partner. You can expect a natural shift in roles as well as attention to and expectations of each other. If you are new to parenthood as a couple, you will notice that your focus on each other is evolving into something new—attention to a third party, your...
Pregnancy: Should I Try Vaginal Birth After a Past C-Section (VBAC)?
Guides through decision to have a vaginal birth (VBAC) after a past cesarean section (C-section). Includes things to think about when making your decision. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Travel During Pregnancy
Travel during pregnancy generally is safe if you're healthy and not at risk for problems. The safest time to travel is between 14 and 28 weeks, when your risks for miscarriage and early labor are lowest. Check with your doctor before you travel. Ask your doctor which vaccines you may need before traveling. Traveling by...
Quitting Smoking and Avoiding Smoke During Pregnancy
When you're pregnant, everything you put in your body can affect your baby. If you smoke, your baby is exposed to chemicals such as nicotine and carbon monoxide. Secondhand smoke also is a problem. Babies whose mothers breathe other people's tobacco smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have health problems. Smoking...
Sleep Problems During Pregnancy
Sleep problems are common during pregnancy. Hormonal changes plus the discomforts of later pregnancy can break up the sleep cycle. First trimester. The first trimester can bring insomnia and night waking. You may feel the need to take naps to fight daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Second trimester. The second trimester...
Breastfeeding During Pregnancy
You usually can continue breastfeeding your child if you become pregnant. If you breastfeed while you are pregnant, be aware of the following issues: Breastfeeding during pregnancy is not recommended if you are at risk for preterm labor. Breastfeeding may stimulate uterine contractions, which can lead to premature...
Food Poisoning During Pregnancy
Preventing food poisoning Pregnant women may become much more ill from food poisoning than other people, so it is important to take steps at home to prevent it. Use extra care with foods that can spoil, such as eggs, meats, poultry, fish, shellfish, milk, and other dairy products. Shop safely. Bag raw meat, poultry, or...
Labor and Delivery
Is this topic for you? This topic provides basic information about normal labor and delivery. If you need information on pregnancy, other types of childbirth, or the first 6 weeks after childbirth (postpartum), see: Pregnancy Cesarean Section Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Postpartum: First 6 Weeks After Childbirth...
Pregnancy: Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins near the surface of the skin. They're caused by faulty valves in the veins or weak vein walls. Varicose veins usually occur on the legs, but they can also affect the vulva. They are common during pregnancy. When the growing uterus puts pressure on the veins that return blood...
Pregnancy: Changes in Feet and Ankles
Some changes in your feet and ankles are normal during pregnancy. These symptoms occur from normal hormonal changes and increased body weight and usually go away after delivery. Many women see a change in shoe size during pregnancy and that may not go away later. Redness and itching of the soles and palms frequently...
Smoking: Problems With Pregnancy
When you're pregnant, everything you put in your body can affect your baby. If you smoke, your baby is exposed to chemicals such as nicotine and carbon monoxide. Babies whose mothers breathe secondhand smoke during pregnancy are also more likely to have health problems. Smoking during pregnancy increases the chance of...
