Pregnancy and Newborns

Getting Started

Know Your Risks

Having a baby is a life-changing event, so it’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. However, if your spirits are down despite your new bundle of joy, it may be a sign of postpartum depression. Take our online assessment to help determine your risk.

Preparing for Pregnancy See AllPlanning Ahead See AllDifficulty Getting Pregnant See AllNow that You're Pregnant See All

Folic Acid for a Healthy Baby in Preparing for Pregnancy

Getting enough folic acid can reduce the risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) and may also reduce the risk for other serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. ...more

Your Changing Body See All

Anatomy: Fetus in Utero in Your Changing Body

Definitions of terms related to the anatomy of a fetus in utero....more

Hormones During Pregnancy in Your Changing Body

Many hormone levels are affected in the body during pregnancy, with several hormones playing major roles. ...more

Weight Gain During Pregnancy in Your Changing Body

Average weight gain for women is between 25 and 35 pounds, although slight deviations from this may also be considered normal. ...more

Common Discomforts During Pregnancy in Your Changing Body

Nausea and vomiting are common in the first trimester, as is fatigue. Other common discomforts are hemorrhoids and heartburn. ...more

Pregnancy and Posture in Your Changing Body

Much back pain in pregnancy is related to the strain on your back from the weight of your growing baby. Using correct posture can help prevent and even relieve some of the pain. ...more

Hemorrhoids and Varicose Veins in Pregnancy in Your Changing Body

Hemorrhoids and varicose veins might seem to be two different, unrelated problems, but they are actually quite similar. And, many women, especially those in the third trimester of pregnancy, have them. ...more

Pregnancy and Heartburn in Your Changing Body

Chances are good that you're one of many pregnant people who experience the churning and burning of heartburn or acid indigestion. It typically hits somewhere in the second or third trimester, and it can be miserable. ...more

Your First Trimester See All

Folic Acid for a Healthy Baby in Your First Trimester

Getting enough folic acid can reduce the risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) and may also reduce the risk for other serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. ...more

First Trimester in Your First Trimester

A healthy first trimester is crucial to the normal development of your baby. You may not be showing much on the outside, but inside, all the major body organs and systems of the fetus are forming. ...more

First Trimester Screening in Your First Trimester

First trimester screening combines fetal ultrasound and blood tests for the mother. It’s done during the first trimester of pregnancy, during weeks 1 to 12 or 13. It can help find out the risk of the fetus having certain birth defects. ...more

Headaches in Early Pregnancy in Your First Trimester

Managing headaches is especially tricky in the first trimester. This is a time when you should stay away from many medicines. ...more

First Trimester Fatigue in Your First Trimester

For many people, the extreme tiredness of the first trimester is quite a surprise. And it's an especially hard transition for those who are normally go-getters with lots of energy. Learn more about what causes this fatigue--and what to do to feel better. ...more

Your Second Trimester See All

Second Trimester in Your Second Trimester

During this trimester, the weight of your growing baby will multiply more than 7 times — and you will start showing more. ...more

Second Trimester Prenatal Screening Tests in Your Second Trimester

Screening is usually performed by taking a sample of the mother's blood between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy (16th to 18th is ideal). ...more

We're Pregnant—Tips for the Expectant Dad in Your Second Trimester

More than ever, men are actively involved throughout the pregnancy experience. The term expectant father really fits, as men support, worry, and plan right along with their pregnant partners. Some of the more common experiences for expectant dads are included here. ...more

Tips for Traveling Moms-to-Be in Your Second Trimester

Today's society is increasingly mobile, and the demands of career and family often require travel during a woman's pregnancy. Here are some tips and guidance for safe travels while you're pregnant. ...more

Pregnancy and Skin Changes in Your Second Trimester

For many people, pregnancy brings glowing skin, rosy cheeks, and shiny hair. But others can experience skin changes that aren't so attractive, including acne, dark spots, and stretch marks. Read on to learn more. ...more

Your Third Trimester See All

Third Trimester in Your Third Trimester

The third trimester marks the home stretch for your pregnancy. You may feel more uncomfortable now as you continue to gain weight. You also may have false labor contractions (called Braxton-Hicks contractions). ...more

Pregnancy and Posture in Your Third Trimester

Much back pain in pregnancy is related to the strain on your back from the weight of your growing baby. Using correct posture can help prevent and even relieve some of the pain. ...more

Back Pain in Pregnancy in Your Third Trimester

Back pain is common in pregnancy because of your changing body. Here are ideas on what you can do to cope. ...more

Hemorrhoids and Varicose Veins in Pregnancy in Your Third Trimester

Pregnancy and Heartburn in Your Third Trimester

Biophysical Profile in Your Third Trimester

A biophysical profile is a test that is sometimes used during the third trimester of pregnancy. It is often done if there is a question about the baby’s health. This may be because of other test results or certain pregnancy symptoms, or because your pregnancy is high risk. ...more

Pregnancy Tests and Procedures See AllDetailed Test & Procedure Guides See All

Common Tests During Pregnancy in Pregnancy Tests and Procedures

Certain tests and screenings may be scheduled during your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will advise you on which tests you'll need. ...more

Maternal and Fetal Testing in Pregnancy Tests and Procedures

Women with high-risk pregnancies often need a close watch for potential problems or complications. Many tests and procedures are available to monitor the health of both mother and baby....more

Healthy Pregnancy Lifestyles See AllNutrition See AllExercise and Work See AllRelationships, Sex, and Intimacy See AllSafety for You and Your Baby See All

Tips for Traveling Moms-to-Be in Healthy Pregnancy Lifestyles

Pregnancy Complications See AllTypes of Complications See AllMultiple Pregnancy See All

Medical Conditions and Pregnancy in Pregnancy Complications

With the correct care, most women can enjoy a healthy pregnancy--even with health challenges, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infectious diseases, or sextually transmitted infections. Read on to learn more. ...more

Warning Signs During Pregnancy in Pregnancy Complications

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have bleeding from the vagina, blurry vision, severe headaches, or other specific symptoms. ...more

Complications of Pregnancy in Pregnancy Complications

Some of the more common complications of pregnancy are miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and bleeding. ...more

Labor, Birth, and Postpartum See AllLabor and Delivery See AllProblems After Delivery See AllTaking Care of Mom See All

Labor in Labor and Delivery

Labor usually starts 2 weeks before or after the estimated date of delivery. No one knows exactly what sets off the onset of labor. ...more

Delivery in Labor and Delivery

To get ready for delivery, you may be moved into a birthing room or delivery room. Or you may stay in the same room for both labor and delivery. ...more

Postpartum Hemorrhage in Problems After Delivery

Postpartum hemorrhage is more bleeding than normal after the birth of a baby. About 1 in 100 to 5 in 100 women have postpartum hemorrhage. It is more likely with a cesarean birth. It most often happens after the placenta is delivered, but it can also happen later. ...more

Postpartum Thyroiditis in Problems After Delivery

Postpartum thyroiditis happens when a person's thyroid becomes inflamed after delivering a baby, or having a miscarriage or abortion. It may first cause your thyroid to be overactive. But over time it leads to an underactive thyroid. This affects a small percentage of pregnant people. ...more

The New Mother: Taking Care of Yourself After Birth in Taking Care of Mom

You will need plenty of rest, good nutrition, and help during the first few weeks after your baby is born. ...more

Contraception/Birth Control in Taking Care of Mom

You have a lot of choices when it comes to birth control. Some methods don't need a healthcare provider's visit. But others, like oral contraceptives, are available only by prescription. ...more

Your Newborn Baby See AllPreparing for Your Baby See AllBaby's Care in the Hospital See AllYour Amazing Newborn See AllBaby's Care at Home See AllKeeping Your Baby Safe See AllWhen to Call the Doctor See All

Choosing Your Child's Healthcare Provider in Preparing for Your Baby

A pediatrician, family practice healthcare provider, physician's assistant, family nurse practitioner, or pediatric nurse practitioner can be your baby's primary care provider. The medical specialty dealing with children is called pediatrics. ...more

Newborn Babies: Getting Ready at Home in Preparing for Your Baby

Newborns need just some basic items at first. These include a warm and safe place to sleep, food, clothing, and diapers. Here's a helpful guide to the essentials. ...more

Baby's Care After a Vaginal Delivery in Baby's Care in the Hospital

Healthy babies born in a vaginal delivery are usually able to stay with the mother. In many cases, immediate newborn evaluations are performed right in the mother's room. ...more

Baby's Care After a Cesarean Delivery in Baby's Care in the Hospital

Because babies born by cesarean may have difficulty clearing some of the lung fluid and mucus, extra suctioning of the nose, mouth, and throat are often needed. ...more

Assessments for Newborn Babies in Tests and Procedures

Each newborn baby is carefully checked at birth for signs of problems or complications....more

Physical Exam of the Newborn in Tests and Procedures

A complete physical exam is an important part of newborn care. Each body system is carefully checked for signs of health and normal function. ...more

Infant Play in Your Amazing Newborn

Read on for helpful suggestions for activities and toys for your baby, according to their age. ...more

Newborn Reflexes in Your Amazing Newborn

Ever wonder why your baby flings his arms out sideways when startled? This reaction--called the Moro reflex--is one of many natural reflexes your newborn should exhibit. Read on to learn about common newborn reflexes and what they mean. ...more

Circumcision for Children in Tests and Procedures, Baby's Care at Home

Circumcision is a surgery to remove the skin covering the end of the penis. This is called the foreskin. This surgery is most often done 1 or 2 days after a baby's birth. Read on to learn more about this procedure. ...more

Bathing and Skin Care for the Newborn in Baby's Care at Home

Bath time is a great time to bond with your newborn while keeping his or her skin healthy and cuddly soft. Get the fact - îand proper supplies - to make these moments safe and enjoyable for both you and baby. ...more

Installing and Using Child Safety Seats and Booster Seats in Preparing for Your Baby, Keeping Your Baby Safe

As part of your preparation for your new baby, you probably got an infant safety seat for the car. But do you know how to make sure it’s installed correctly? And when do you switch to a child safety seat? Learn the ins and outs of safe car travel for your little one. ...more

Childhood Immunizations in Tests and Procedures, Keeping Your Baby Safe

Your little one will need several immunization shots to help protect them from several childhood diseases, some of which can be deadly. Read on for helpful advice on which shots they need and when--and what to do if they have a minor reaction. ...more

Behavior Changes in When to Call the Doctor

Your baby's activity level, appetite, and cries normally vary from day to day, and even hour to hour. But a distinct change in any of these areas may signal illness. ...more

Skin Color Changes in When to Call the Doctor

The color of a baby's skin can often help identify possible problems in another area of the body. Here are some skin color changes to be aware of. ...more

When Baby Needs Special Care See AllThe NICU See AllProblems and Conditions See AllBirth Defects and Genetic Disorders See All

Newborn Warning Signs in The NICU

Most newborns adjust well to the outside world. But it's helpful to know about these warning signs that could indicate a possible problem. ...more

When a Baby Has Difficulty After Birth in The NICU

Some babies may have difficulty at birth. These include babies who are born prematurely, have a difficult delivery, or have birth defects. Here's what you need to know. ...more

Prematurity in Weight and Growth Problems

A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered premature or born too early. The number of premature births in the U.S. is rising. Twins and other multiples are more likely to be premature than single birth babies. ...more

Very Low Birth Weight in Weight and Growth Problems

Very low birth weight is a term used to describe babies who are born weighing less than 3 pounds, 4 ounces. It is very rare that babies are born this tiny. Only about 1 in 100 babies born in the U.S. are very low birth weight. ...more

Sex During Pregnancy in Respiratory Disorders

In most cases, sex during pregnancy is safe. In fact, with your healthcare provider's approval, sexual relations can continue until delivery. ...more

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) in Premature Babies in Respiratory Disorders

Chronic lung disease is the general term for long-term breathing problems in premature babies. It’s also called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Here's what you need to know about this condition. ...more

Blood Types in Pregnancy in Blood Disorders

A baby may have the blood type and Rh factor of either parent, or a combination of both parents. ...more

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN) in Blood Disorders

Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) is a blood problem in newborns. It occurs when your baby's red blood cells break down at a fast rate. It’s also called erythroblastosis fetalis. ...more

Blood Circulation in the Fetus and Newborn in Heart Disorders

During pregnancy, the fetal lungs are not used for breathing - the placenta does the work of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide through the mother's circulation. With the first breaths of air the baby takes at birth, the fetal circulation changes. ...more

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in Heart Disorders

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart defect found in the days or weeks after birth. Read on to learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. ...more

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Newborns in Fever and Infections

CMV (cytomegalovirus) is a herpes virus. It is very common. It affects people of all ages and in all parts of the U.S. In most cases, CMV causes mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all. But it can cause serious problems in an unborn baby or newborn. ...more

Group B Streptococcus Infection in Babies in Fever and Infections

Group B streptococcus (strep) is a type of bacteria. It can be found in the digestive tract, urinary tract, and genital area of adults. About 1 in 4 pregnant women carry GBS in their rectum or vagina. During pregnancy, the mother can pass the infection to the baby. The fetus can get GBS during pregnancy. Newborns can get it from the mother's genital tract during delivery. ...more

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in Other Conditions

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby younger than 1 year old. SIDS is sometimes called crib death because the death may happen when a baby is sleeping in a crib. It’s one of the leading causes of death in babies from ages 1 month to 1 year. Read on to learn more. ...more

Birth Injuries in Other Conditions

Some babies have a more difficult trip through the birth canal than others, resulting in physical injuries. These injuries usually are not serious and clear up or improve within a few days or weeks after the birth. ...more

Hypoglycemia in a Newborn Baby in Blood Disorders, Blood Sugar Disorders

Hypoglycemia is when the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too low. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain and the body. In a newborn baby, low blood sugar can happen for many reasons. It can cause problems such as shakiness, blue color to the skin, and breathing and feeding problems. Read on to learn more. ...more

Infant of a Mother with Diabetes in Blood Sugar Disorders

When a mother has diabetes, her baby is at risk for problems. Read on to learn more....more

Necrotizing Enterocolitis in the Newborn in Digestive Disorders

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious illness in newborns. It happens when tissue in the large intestine (colon) gets inflamed. This inflammation damages and sometimes kills the tissue in your baby’s colon. ...more

Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children in Digestive Disorders

Gastroesophageal reflux is a digestive disorder. With this condition, acidic stomach juices, food, and fluids flow back up into your child’s esophagus. Read on to learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment. ...more

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in Babies, Drugs, and Alcohol

Neonatal abstinence syndrome is what happens when babies are exposed to drugs in the uterus before birth. Babies can then go through drug withdrawal after birth. ...more

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Babies, Drugs, and Alcohol

A baby born to a mother who drinks alcohol during pregnancy can have many problems. This is called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). ...more

Retinopathy of Prematurity in Vision and Hearing Disorders

Retinopathy of prematurity is an eye problem that happens to premature babies. The retina lines the back of the eye. It receives light as it comes through the pupil. From there, the optic nerve sends signals to the brain. Retinopathy of prematurity is a problem of the blood vessels of the retina. ...more

Hearing Loss in Babies in Vision and Hearing Disorders

Hearing loss in babies is rare in this country. But when it does happen, it's important to diagnose it early. Undetected hearing loss can delay speech and language development. ...more

Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Babies in Brain Disorders

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is bleeding inside or around the ventricles in the brain. The ventricles are the spaces in the brain that contain the cerebral spinal fluid. ...more

Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) in Children in Brain Disorders

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a softening of white brain tissue near the ventricles. The ventricles are fluid-filled chambers in the brain. ...more

Anorectal Malformation in Children in Birth Defects and Genetic Disorders

Anorectal malformations are birth defects, or problems that happen as an unborn baby is developing during pregnancy. With this defect, the anus and rectum don’t develop properly. They are the lower part of the digestive tract. ...more

Birth Defects in Children in Birth Defects and Genetic Disorders

A birth defect is a health problem or abnormal physical change that is present when a baby is born. Birth defects can be very mild, where the baby looks and acts like any other baby. Or birth defects can be more severe. Read on to learn more. ...more

Feeding Your Baby See AllBreastfeeding Basics See AllBreastfeeding Difficulties See AllGoing Back to Work See AllPumping and Storing Breast Milk See AllBreastfeeding Your High-Risk Newborn See All

Infant Nutrition in Feeding Your Baby

Choosing how to feed your baby is an important decision that has life-long effects for your baby and for you. ...more

Feeding Guide for the First Year in Feeding Your Baby

It's important to feed your baby a variety of healthy foods at the correct time. Learn more with this helpful guide. ...more

Bottle-Feeding in Feeding Your Baby

Detailed information on bottle-feeding, including information on the different types of baby formulas. ...more

Interactive Tools See All

Ovulation Date Calculator

When you are trying to have a baby, fertile times are an important factor. Use this information about your cycles to help to predict your more fertile times and when you will ovulate....more

Due Date Calculator

It is important to know your estimated due date in order to help plan for the baby's birth....more

Smoking and Pregnancy Quiz

Do you know the health risks of smoking? Avoiding them can help you have a healthy pregnancy and baby....more

Healthy Pregnancy Quiz

Test your knowledge of which behaviors are most helpful and harmful to your developing baby....more

Postpartum Depression Assessment

Multimedia See All

Exercise During 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....more