Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects can include physical problems and problems with behavior and learning. Often, a person with an FASD has a mix of these problems.
FASDs are caused by a woman drinking [...]
Using alcohol and illegal drugs during pregnancy threatens the health of your unborn baby. So does using legal drugs in an inappropriate way.
When you use alcohol or drugs, the chemicals you ingest or breathe into your lungs cross the placenta and enter your baby. This puts your baby at risk for such problems [...]
Before you become pregnant, it is best to have dental checkups every 6 months to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you are pregnant and have not had regular checkups, consider the following:
* Have a complete oral exam early in your pregnancy. Because you are pregnant, you might not [...]
Fitness goes hand in hand with eating right to maintain your physical health and well-being during pregnancy. Pregnant or not, physical fitness helps keep the heart, bones, and mind healthy.
Healthy pregnant women should get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week. It’s best to spread your workouts [...]
All of your body’s systems need water. When you are pregnant, your body needs even more water to stay hydrated and support the life inside you.
Water also helps prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, excessive swelling, and urinary tract or bladder infections. Not getting enough water can lead to premature or early labor.
Your body gets the [...]
Fish and shellfish can be an important part of a healthy diet. They are a great source of protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
But almost all fish and shellfish contain some mercury. Mercury is a metal that can harm the brain of your unborn baby — even before it is conceived.
Mercury mainly gets into [...]
If you are pregnant with more than one baby, you are far from alone. In the past two decades, the number of multiple births has climbed way up in the United States. In 2005, 133,122 twin babies and 6,208 triplet babies were born in the United States. In 1980 there were only 69,339 twin and [...]
Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, counting from the first day of your last normal period. The weeks are grouped into three trimesters (TREYE-mess-turs). Find out what’s happening with you and your baby in these three stages.
First Trimester (Week 1-Week 12)
First Trimester
Did you know?
For some women, body image is a huge concern during pregnancy. Learn what [...]
Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary. Ovulation often happens around day 14 of the menstrual cycle, although the exact timing may vary among women or even from month to month.
Ovulation signs and symptoms are often subtle. Just before ovulation, you might notice an increase in clear, slippery vaginal secretions — [...]
The teen years are a special time in your life. Being a new parent is also special. Both come with their own joys and problems.
Being a single teen parent is not easy. In order to give your baby the best, you need a lot of love and support.
Many school districts have special programs to [...]