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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.
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: 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...
Spinal Block for Childbirth
Spinal anesthesia (spinal block) is a way to control pain using anesthetic medicine. It causes complete loss of feeling and muscle control below the waist. A spinal block is often used for an assisted delivery (such as a cesarean section or a delivery with forceps). Or it can be used when a delivery is happening fast...
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...
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 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...
Childbirth: Opioid Pain Medicines
To help control the pain and stress of labor, you may get opioid pain medicines. The medicine can be put into a vein or into the muscle. Examples include fentanyl, morphine, and nalbuphine. Opioids can help suppress how you perceive pain and calm your emotional response to pain. They do this by reducing the number of...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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: 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...
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...
Doulas and Support During Childbirth
Learn how a doula can help support you during childbirth.
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)...
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...
Pregnancy
Is this topic for you? This topic covers pregnancy information, including planning for labor and delivery. If you aren't pregnant yet, see the topic Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy. For more information on labor and delivery, see the topic Labor and Delivery. What can you do to have a healthy pregnancy? You may be...
Pregnancy: Blood Clots
Learn what blood clots are and how they can happen during and after pregnancy.
Childbirth Pain Relief Options
Learn about pain relief options for childbirth, including medical and nonmedical options.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
HIV and Pregnancy
Early detection and treatment are the key to preventing HIV infection in newborns. Experts agree that all people should be screened for HIV during pregnancy. If you do have HIV, your baby could also become infected. The virus is usually passed on during labor and childbirth. Sometimes it's passed during pregnancy...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
Nonmedical Options for Pain Relief in Childbirth
Learn about nonmedical pain relief options for childbirth.
Pregnancy: Kick Counts
Counting your baby's kicks is one way your doctor can tell that your baby is healthy. Most women—especially in a first pregnancy—feel their 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...
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...
Lupus and Pregnancy
Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) doesn't usually affect a woman's ability to conceive. But if you are having a lupus flare or are taking corticosteroid medicines, you may have irregular menstrual cycles. This can make it hard to plan a pregnancy. If you plan to have a baby or are already pregnant, it's very...
Schizophrenia and Pregnancy
People with schizophrenia have goals and desires just like people who do not have the illness. These may include starting a family. You can have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby if you have schizophrenia. But there are some things to know. You will want people to help you during your pregnancy and when you are...
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...
Pregnancy: Vegetarian Diet
A balanced vegetarian diet can provide all the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy. If you eat a vegetarian diet, pay special attention to getting enough protein, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, zinc, and iron while you are pregnant. These nutrients are vital to your baby's cell growth, brain and organ...
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.
Pregnancy and Epilepsy
Most of the time, people with epilepsy who become pregnant deliver healthy babies. But the risk of birth defects, stillbirth, and seizure-related problems is higher for babies born to someone with epilepsy. Most antiepileptic medicines increase the risk even more. If you have epilepsy and become pregnant, stopping...
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: 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...
Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy
Discusses risks to the fetus of a woman who 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.
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...
Swelling During Pregnancy
You may have some mild swelling because of normal fluid buildup during pregnancy. It's most common in your face, hands, or 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...
Anemia During Pregnancy
What is anemia during pregnancy? Anemia during a healthy pregnancy is common. Anemia means your red blood cell level is low. It can happen when you're pregnant because your body is working hard to make more blood to help your baby grow. Sometimes anemia during pregnancy can be caused by other problems, including not...
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: 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: 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: 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...
Pregnancy: Choosing a Health Professional
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 a health problem. Many things can put you at high risk. Being called "high-risk" may sound scary. But it's just a way for doctors to make sure that you get special attention during your pregnancy. Your doctor...
Depression During Pregnancy
Depression is common during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. If you have symptoms of depression during pregnancy or are depressed and learn you are pregnant, make a treatment plan with your doctor right away. If you are being treated for depression and are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor ahead of time...
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...
Cancer During Pregnancy
Sometimes cancer and pregnancy can happen at the same time. The type of cancer treatment used during pregnancy depends on a number of things, including: How far along the pregnancy is ( gestational age). The type and location of the cancer. How advanced the cancer is. How rapidly the cancer is developing. Whether there...
Bed Rest in Pregnancy
What is bed rest? Bed rest is limiting physical activity during your pregnancy. It can last a few weeks or even months. It may be at home or in the hospital. Your doctor may put you on partial bed rest or full bed rest. Partial bed rest usually means it's usually okay to sit, stand, or walk around for short periods of...
Heartburn During Pregnancy
Heartburn is common during pregnancy. That's because hormones cause the digestive system to slow down. The muscles that push food down the esophagus also move more slowly when you are pregnant. And as the uterus grows, it presses on the stomach. This can sometimes force stomach acid up into the esophagus. Heartburn may...
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...
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...
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. Inside the uterus, your baby is enjoying some regular activities: thumb-sucking and opening and closing his or her eyes. Wondering what your baby...
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. Inside the uterus, your baby is enjoying some regular activities...
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...
Caffeine During Pregnancy
Many women have caffeine during pregnancy. And in small amounts, caffeine is safe for the baby. It's a good idea to keep your caffeine intake below 200 mg a day, because: More caffeine may be connected to a higher rate of miscarriage. There is not enough evidence to know for sure. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it...
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...
Fever During Pregnancy
It is not unusual to develop a viral illness that causes a fever during pregnancy or after your delivery. Mild fevers that last only a short time usually are not a concern. An ongoing fever that does not get better with home treatment, such as taking acetaminophen, or that does not improve after several days may mean...
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...
Your Baby's Movements During Pregnancy
During your pregnancy, you'll feel your baby move. For example, your baby may kick, hiccup, roll, turn, and twist. These movements are common and expected. As your baby grows, these movements will get stronger. But sometimes you might feel a movement that surprises you. You may wonder what it means. Most pregnant women...
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...
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...
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: 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...
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...
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...
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: Dealing With Morning Sickness
Briefly discusses managing morning sickness. Offer tips to manage nausea and vomiting.
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...
Week 12 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
By week 12, you can now hear your baby's heartbeat with a Doppler heart monitor. Wondering what your baby looks like at 12 weeks? Your baby is now about the size of a lime. Average baby length is 2.4 in. (61 mm). How your baby is changing Here are some important changes that happen around this time. By 10 weeks of...
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...
Week 8 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
Pregnancy can be exciting, mysterious, and exhausting. During pregnancy, your body does a ton of work to support the growth of your baby. And even though you can't feel it yet, your baby is growing and changing very fast. Wondering what your baby looks like at 8 weeks? Your baby is now about the size of an olive...
Pregnancy: Prenatal Visit Schedule
As your pregnancy moves along, your prenatal visits will happen more often. So you'll have the chance to get to know your doctor or midwife well. It's common to see your doctor or midwife: Every 4 weeks until week 28. Every 2 to 3 weeks from weeks 28 to 36. Every week from week 36 to birth. In some cases, age or a...
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! Believe it or not, 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...
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
You may have felt ready for baby to come for a while, but your baby may still be perfectly happy inside. It can be very hard to wait to meet your baby! 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...
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...
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...
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...
Managing Emotional Changes During Pregnancy
Being pregnant can be an exciting time. But it can also be a stressful and emotional time. There's a lot you need to think about and plan for, which can be overwhelming. You may notice your moods changing often. And when you're pregnant, your body goes through lots of hormone changes, which can affect your emotions and...
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...
