Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks and is grouped into three trimesters starting from the first day of your last period. Your body goes through many changes as your baby grows and your bodies are both prepared for your due date of delivery. This program will share some of the normal changes you may experience during each trimester and why it's healthiest for most moms and babies to go the full 40 weeks.
Watch this video to learn about the common symptoms of the first trimester of pregnancy including morning sickness, mood swings and breast changes.
You've begun your first three months of pregnancy. We call this the "first trimester." It's the start of some big changes in your life. You may be a little anxious. Let's learn about what you can expect.
Watch this video to learn about the common symptoms of the second trimester of pregnancy including round ligament pain, stretch marks and lower back pain.
You're in your second three months of pregnancy. We call this the "second trimester." You're used to the idea of being pregnant. And hopefully the worst of your nausea has passed. But now you'll see more visible physical changes.
Watch this video to learn about the common symptoms of the third trimester of pregnancy including trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, hemorrhoids, and lower back pain.
You're in the last three months of your pregnancy. We call this the "third trimester." Your baby is growing rapidly, and your body is getting ready for childbirth. Here are some things you may experience.
Watch this video to learn why it's important to have a full-term pregnancy or closest to 40 weeks as possible unless the health of the mother and baby is at risk. In those cases, labor may be induced, or a C-Section may be performed to keep both mom and baby healthy.
During pregnancy, especially during the first three or four months, you may often feel nausea. You may have vomiting. It's called "morning sickness." But it can happen at any time during the day or night.
This program reminds viewers how babies are more ready to face the world when they're born at or close to full-term (40 weeks), as it discusses the optimal health of full-term babies (though babies born at 37 weeks may look mature, they are not fully developed). It also encourages women to maintain a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy and to take time for themselves in the final weeks. It underscores how good preparation makes bringing baby home easier and inspires new mothers to savor every second with their newborn, watching as the newborn adjusts to the world.
Round ligament pain is a common problem in pregnancy.
The first trimester is a time of rapid development for your baby. Read on to learn about all the changes.
As your body adjusts, you may have to change or limit your daily activities. You'll need more rest. You may also need to use the energy you have more wisely.
Will working while you're pregnant harm your baby? Which medicines are safe to take now? You likely have a host of questions to ask your healthcare provider. Here are some answers.
On this sheet, you'll find answers to some common questions about pregnancy, including those about exercising, traveling, eating, and drinking,
Even when you don't notice it, your body is adapting to meet the needs of your growing baby. The changes in your body might also affect your moods.
Keep up the healthy habits you started in your first trimester. You might be a little more tired than normal. So plan your day wisely. Look at the tips below and choose the ones that suit your lifestyle.
As the baby grows, your body changes too. You may also see signs that your body is getting ready for labor. Some of the most common changes are discussed here.
From conception (fertilization) until after the birth of your child, you and your baby will change every day. To help you understand what is happening, we've outlined how pregnancy begins and some of the changes you may notice.
Learning the proper ways to bend, lift, and carry objects may help relieve back strain. It will also help you protect your back after your baby is born. Remember, if you're having trouble protecting your back, it's okay to ask the people around you for help!
Did you know that standing, sitting, or lying in certain ways can lead to back pain? To ease pain, use positions that support your body comfortably.
Before trying these exercises, talk to your healthcare provider to make sure they are safe for you.
Although common during pregnancy, some discomforts may seem worse in the final weeks. Simple lifestyle changes can help. Take care of yourself. And ask your partner to help out with small tasks.
Blighted ovum is a type of early pregnancy loss. The pregnancy loss often isn't found until an ultrasound is done later in pregnancy.
These exercises will make your back and buttocks muscles stronger during pregnancy.
Nausea and vomiting are common in the first trimester, as is fatigue. Other common discomforts are hemorrhoids and heartburn.
Watch this video to learn the importance of limiting caffeine during your pregnancy.
Watch this video to learn how to practice mindful eating during pregnancy.
Watch this video to learn more about healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
Watch this video to learn how much seafood is healthy to eat during your pregnancy.
Watch this video to learn about prenatal vitamins and why it's important to take them during pregnancy.
Watch this video to learn the benefit of getting the RSV vaccine during your pregnancy.
Watch this to learn about the importance of prenatal care and how to help have a healthy pregnancy.
It is ideal to start making healthy lifestyle choices before you even know you're pregnant - when you are trying to conceive or doing nothing to avoid becoming pregnant. These lifestyle choices include stopping smoking and using other nicotine products, avoiding alcoholic beverages, stopping or getting treatment for drug addictions and being sure that prescription and over the counter medications that you use are safe for developing a pregnancy. And once you know you are pregnant, what you put in your body becomes even more vital. This program will share concerns about using prescription medications, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy and what you can do to help ensure a safe journey and outcome for you and your baby.
Watch this video to know when it is a good time to share your pregnancy news with loved ones and your employer. Learn about the laws in place to protect your rights on the job and how to stay safe at home.
When you're pregnant, you need to make sure you don't do things that harm your baby. One of the most harmful things you could do is to drink alcohol. Let's learn about how alcohol hurts your baby.
You're pregnant, and you want to make sure your baby is as healthy as possible. One of the things you worry about is caffeine. Is it safe to have a coffee or tea in the morning? What about other sources of caffeine throughout the day? Let's learn how this energy booster can impact your growing baby.
Research shows that babies may be able to hear sounds in the womb as early as the 18th week of pregnancy, when the ears first start to stand out from the head. But what do they hear? And do babies understand or remember anything they heard in the womb after birth? A study published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences takes an important step toward answering those questions. © TWN (Bundoo)
Aches and pains are a normal part of pregnancy, the result of your body changing to make room for your growing baby. While managing pain without medication is ideal, medicine may be necessary for some pregnant women who have chronic pain or experience severe pain. In this program you'll learn about non-medication techniques to help alleviate pain and how to use pain medications safely.
When you're pregnant, your body goes through rapid changes. This can stress your muscles and joints. For many women, back pain becomes a problem. Let's learn what you can do to avoid back during pregnancy.
During this outpatient procedure, a doctor withdraws amniotic fluid from a pregnant woman's uterus. This is the fluid that surrounds the developing baby. It contains cells and chemicals related to the baby's development.
Amniocentesis is a test that can help answer questions about your baby's health. But not every woman needs to have this test. Watch and see how an amniocentesis is done and find out if it's the right test for you.
Watch this program to learn the importance of getting vaccinated during your pregnancy, including the Flu and Tdap vaccines.
Watch this video to learn the importance of fetal kick counts, the ways to monitor your baby's movement and when you should call your doctor.
Almost every parent is familiar with the sleep deprivation that comes with having a newborn, but many moms-to-be are surprised by the lack of sleep that can occur before you even deliver. Understand a few reasons why you might be struggling at night. © TWN (Bundoo)
Pickles and ice cream. Chicken nuggets dipped in chocolate syrup. Mashed potatoes slathered in butter and Tabasco sauce. And plain old dirt. Learn about pregnancy cravings and why we may have them. © TWN (Bundoo)
This is health care you get while you're pregnant. It helps us make sure that you and your baby are as healthy as possible. And it lets us spot issues along the way.
Physical activity is good for everyone. And that's true for women who are pregnant, too. If you're pregnant, staying active can help you feel more comfortable. It may reduce the risk of complications. Here are some tips for staying active during your pregnancy.
As you prepare to have a baby, you may want the help of a doula. But what is a doula, exactly? Let's learn more about who they are, and what they can do for you.
As you prepare to have a baby, you may want the help of a midwife. But what is a midwife, exactly? Let's learn more about who they are, and what they can do for you.
A healthy baby begins with you.Choosing the right foods can help give you and your growing baby the nutrition you need and help you recover faster. Here are some tips to help you have a healthy pregnancy.
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.
One of the best ways to learn about the birthing process is to take a childbirth education class. Most women take the classes in their third trimester of pregnancy.
Are you pregnant or trying to get pregnant? You may need more vitamins and minerals than you get through diet alone. You can boost those key nutrients with prenatal vitamins. They help your body support a growing baby.
Many women find it hard to get restful sleep during pregnancy. Let's take a moment to learn about sleep issues during pregnancy, and how you can manage it.
While your baby is growing in your womb, doctors may check on your baby's health with an ultrasound exam. Ultrasound lets us see inside your body. It uses sound waves to make images of the baby.
You're planning a trip during your pregnancy, and you want to do it safely. Here are some things to keep in mind before and during your trip.
This is a way we check how much your baby's heart rate changes when your baby moves inside your uterus. We do this test with simple, safe monitoring devices we place on your skin. There is no risk of harm to you or your baby.
Severe nausea and vomiting that doesn't let up during pregnancy is not normal and can result in dehydration and weight loss. Learn about what you can do.
Amniotic fluid surrounds the baby and protects it as it develops. It also helps the baby's muscles, lungs, and digestive tract develop properly. Your healthcare provider has determined that you have too little amniotic fluid in the womb. This is called oligohydramnios.
Having too much amniotic fluid in your uterus during pregnancy is called polyhydramnios. Learn why this happens, and how to manage it.
When you're pregnant and have an asthma flare-up, it affects both you and your baby. The baby gets oxygen from your blood to grow and develop normally. Severe asthma can cause problems getting oxygen to your baby.
Most women who are pregnant with 2 or more babies have healthy pregnancies. But, the risk of complications is higher than with a single baby. If you are carrying multiples, know the warning signs of possible problems.
The flu can make a pregnant woman very ill. This is because pregnant women are at high risk for flu complications. These complications include sinus infections and serious lung infections, like bronchitis and pneumonia. In rare cases, miscarriage of the baby or even death of the mother can result. This sheet tells you more about the flu, what to do if you come down with the flu, and what you can do to avoid infection.
A multiple pregnancy is usually identified early in the pregnancy so that good prenatal care can begin.
It's normal to worry about your baby's health. One way you can know your baby's doing well is to record the baby's movements once a day. This is called a kick count.
Preeclampsia is pregnancy-related hypertension that develops after 20 weeks' gestation. It can lead to health risks for you and your baby. No one knows what causes preeclampsia. But it is known that the only cure is delivery.
Going into labor before your 37th week of pregnancy is called preterm labor. Preterm labor can cause your baby to be born too soon. This can lead to a number of health problems that may affect your baby.
What you eat matters to your baby and your health. Here's a helpful guide to what's safe for you to eat during pregnancy.
Every cigarette you don't smoke is a benefit to you and your baby. Deciding not to smoke can be a tough choice, but you can change. Even if you've tried before, don't give up.
Regular exercise can help you adapt to the changes your body is going through during pregnancy. Exercising may help you relax, and it gets you ready for labor and delivery.
In rare cases, a woman who has group B strep can infect her baby during the birth. Infection can cause serious illness in the newborn.
Treatment includes IV antibiotics (medicines that help stop infections). If complications develop, other specialized treatments may be needed. Early treatment gives the best chance of a happy outcome.
Amniocentesis is a prenatal test that helps you learn if your baby has genetic problems. Here's what you need to know about this test.
CVS is a test that helps you learn if a fetus has health problems. The test is most often done after 10 weeks of pregnancy.
During ultrasound, high-frequency sound waves pass through your body and your baby. You can't hear the sound waves, but the ultrasound equipment can.
If you're Rh negative, ask your healthcare provider about getting treated with Rho(D) immune globulin. Even if you miscarry or don't deliver the baby, you will still need treatment.
If you have Rh negative blood, your fetus may be at risk for health problems. This is true only if the fetus has Rh positive blood. A simple test followed by treatment can help prevent problems.
A blood glucose screening tests for gestational diabetes. With this disease, changes in your body during pregnancy cause your blood sugar (glucose) to be too high. This is a serious condition. But it can be controlled with diet and, if needed, medicine.
Before becoming pregnant, you may have adopted good health habits to get ready for your baby. But if you didn't, start today. Read on to learn more.
Here are tips for first, second, and third trimesters to cope with issues like nausea, fatigue, mood swings, and headaches.
It's a myth that being 35 or older means your pregnancy will be high risk. Making the right choices now and working with your healthcare provider can help your pregnancy be trouble-free.
Even before you become pregnant, your health matters to your future baby. Adopt good health habits today. And take care of any health problems you have before becoming pregnant.
Anemia in pregnant women is often caused by not having enough iron in the blood. It is common in pregnancy and very easy to treat.
With breech presentation, your baby is in a buttocks-first or feet-first position. Babies are usually in a head-first position. A breech presentation can make it hard for the baby's head to fit through the birth canal during delivery. Here's what you need to know.
The weight you gain now is not just extra fat. It is also the weight of your baby. And it is the increased blood and fluids to support the baby.
While you're pregnant, an exercise routine helps both your mind and your body feel good. It tones your muscles and makes them stronger. It also gives you and your baby more oxygen.
Your health can affect your baby's growth. Here are some ways to stay healthy.
While you are pregnant, smoking affects your unborn child. It reduces oxygen and blood flow to your baby. This may cause bleeding problems that can put your pregnancy at risk, or even cause miscarriage or stillbirth.
Drinking a small amount of alcohol isn't harmful unless you are pregnant. That's because any alcohol you drink also affects your baby. Sometimes, even a small amount of alcohol may cause birth defects.
You had an amniocentesis. This is a prenatal test. It helps you learn whether a fetus has health problems. The test is most often done between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy. It is also done to check the condition of the lungs of a baby who will be delivered several weeks early.
Placenta previa is a condition that may happen during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. It's one of the most common causes of vaginal bleeding during these trimesters.
Bleeding early in pregnancy isn't uncommon, and in most cases, nothing is wrong. Still, it's a good idea to let your healthcare provider know if it happens.
The only way to be sure your blood sugar stays within a normal range is to check it. You may be asked to check your blood sugar at home 1 or more times a day.
The first day after you quit smoking, as the nicotine leaves your body, you're likely to notice symptoms of withdrawal. These are signs of your body recovering from smoking. For some people, withdrawal is mild. Others have a harder time. In any case, withdrawal should begin to lessen after the first few days. Use the 4 D's listed here to beat withdrawal.
Stress is a common way to react to life events. Your body may become tense, your mood may shift, or you may feel worried. Stress is 1 of the biggest reasons people smoke. But you can let go of stress without lighting up. Learn how.
You've quit smoking because you're pregnant. At first, not smoking may be new and exciting. It's the best sort of change. People will congratulate you. You have a right to be proud, so enjoy it. But then what? How do you stay smoke-free when life goes back to normal? Plan ahead to fight temptation. Be aware of signs that warn of a slip.
Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. You are at risk of developing, or perhaps have already developed, gestational diabetes. Controlling your blood sugar can help prevent problems for you and your baby.
Fetal echocardiography is a tyest that shows pictures of the baby's heart before birth. It is done to check for problems in the baby's heart structure, function, or rhythm.
Cerclage is a type of surgery. It closes up the cervix. The surgery stops the cervix from widening (dilating) too early during pregnancy.
This prenatal test involves taking a sample of tissue from the placenta to test for chromosomal abnormalities and certain other genetic problems.
Researchers are still learning more about how the coronavirus affects pregnant women and their babies. Here is information to help you work with your healthcare team.
Watch this video to learn the risk factors for preterm labor and what lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk.
Watch this video to learn the warning signs of a miscarriage, options for treatment, and what you can to reduce your risk of miscarriage.
Watch this video to learn the risks for preeclampsia, symptoms, and what you can do to reduce your risk of getting this serious condition.
Watch this video to learn about Hyperemesis Gravidarum, symptoms, and the best treatment plan for you.
The loss of a baby is a heartbreaking experience. It's devastating for you and the people who love you. It can be hard to know how to deal with the pain. But there are some things you can do to help you move forward.
Understand that antenatal depression is depression during pregnancy and learn the treatment options for it that are available. © TWN (Bundoo)
This is a complication you can have during pregnancy. It causes high blood pressure and other issues. It can happen early or late in your pregnancy. In rare cases, it can develop after you give birth.
Normal blood pressure is essential for a healthy pregnancy. If you have high blood pressure before you become pregnant, you are at higher risk for developing certain problems during pregnancy. This video explains how chronic high blood pressure can affect you and your growing baby and why special monitoring is important.
This is high blood pressure that you develop when you're pregnant. It happens after week 20 in your pregnancy. And it tends to go away after you have your baby.
This is when blood collects between the wall of your uterus (that's your womb) and the sac that holds your growing baby. That's the amniotic sac, and its outer layer is called the "chorionic membrane."
Your healthcare provider suggests that you have cerclage. This procedure closes the cervix during a pregnancy. It is done to help prevent miscarriage or premature birth.
With fetal growth restriction, also known as intrauterine growth restriction, a baby in the uterus is smaller than normal. This means the baby is not growing at a normal rate.
During pregnancy, the baby is surrounded in the uterus by the amniotic sac. Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) is when the amniotic sac breaks before you go into labor. Read on to learn more.
A cerclage is a procedure that closes the cervix during a pregnancy. It's done to help prevent miscarriage if it's because of cervical incompetence, cervical insufficiency, or premature birth. Read on to learn more.
Losing a child through miscarriage or stillbirth is a painful experience. Grief is a normal reaction to this loss.
With an ectopic pregnancy, the growing egg in the fallopian tube can cause the tube to burst (rupture). This can lead to severe bleeding if it is not found early and treated.
Miscarriage is the unplanned end of a pregnancy that happens before you reach 20 weeks. When a miscarriage happens, you're likely to have a wide range of feelings. Allow yourself to accept how you feel. Only then can you begin to move on.
No 2 miscarriages are alike. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about the treatment that's most suited for you.
Your body has had a shock to its system. Because of this, you may not feel well for a few days. Your body is going through changes, and you can expect mood swings. When you are ready, start back to your normal routine.
Miscarriage is common, but finding its cause may not be easy. If a cause can be found, it's likely to be a problem with the baby or the structure of the uterus.
You've been pregnant, so you know that chances are very good it can happen again - if you want it to. The choice is up to you and your partner. If you want to try again, do so when you're ready.
An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. In most cases, it implants in a fallopian tube. In some cases, it may grow until the fallopian tube tears (ruptures). This can cause severe bleeding and a risk for death for the mother. Methotrexate is a medicine that stops the embryo from growing.
Stillbirth is when a baby dies in the uterus after 20 weeks or more of growing. Here you can learn about causes and symptoms of stillbirth, as well as coping with stillbirth.
About 1 or 2 out of every 10 pregnancies end in miscarriage. Some end even before you know you are pregnant.
About 1 or 2 out of every 10 pregnancies end in miscarriage. Some end even before you know you are pregnant. This happens for a number of reasons, and usually the cause is never known.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of morning sickness that can affect some women during pregnancy. Symptoms include severe nausea and vomiting.
About 1 or 2 out of every 10 pregnancies end as miscarriages. Some end even before you know you are pregnant. This happens for a number of reasons, and usually the cause is never known.
A mother with HIV can pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and breastfeeding.
Cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver problem. It slows or stops the normal flow of bile from the gallbladder. This causes itching and yellowing of your skin, eyes, and mucous membranes (jaundice). Cholestasis sometimes starts in early pregnancy. But it is more common in the second and third trimesters. It most often goes away within a few days after delivery. The high levels of bile may cause serious problems for your developing baby (fetus).
HELLP syndrome is a rare but life-threatening condition in pregnancy. It causes red cells in the blood to break down. It also causes problems with the liver, bleeding, and blood pressure. It's often linked with preeclampsia and eclampsia. It often develops before delivery. But it may also occur after delivery.
Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure in pregnancy. It occurs in about 3 in 50 pregnancies.
Bleeding can happen at any time during pregnancy. Placental abruption can cause bleeding late in pregnancy. This means after about 20 weeks.
There are many reasons you may have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. In some cases, it's not something to worry about. But bleeding can be a symptom of something serious, especially if it occurs later in your pregnancy.
PUPPP is a very common skin rash that can occur later in pregnancy.
A dandy walker malformation (DWM) is a birth defect of the brain. It's when the cerebellum doesn't form the right way as a fetus develops.
Encephalocele is a rare birth defect. It's when part of a child's skull doesn't form all the way, leaving a hole.
Helpful information about taking insulin during your pregnancy. Learn how to give yourself an insulin shot, how to work with your healthcare provider to find the right dosage, and how to treat low blood sugar.