Pregnancy and Childbirth

Questions about pregnancy and impending parenthood? familydoctor.org has facts on pregnancy, fetal health, labor, childbirth and caring for your newborn.

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  • High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

    Some women will experience high blood pressure during their pregnancy. Treatment varies depending on the type you have and how…

  • A woman experiencing strong contractions that are 5 to 10 minutes apart

    How Do I Know I’m in Labor?

    Going into labor can look different for every woman. But there are some common signs.

  • Couple meeting with doctor

    Infertility

    Infertility means a couple isn’t able to become pregnant after 1 year of having regular, unprotected sex. Infertility can affect…

  • Labor Induction

    A walk through the labor induction process – what it is, why doctors may need to do it and what…

  • pregnant woman sitting on bench with hands on belly

    Lupus and Pregnancy

    If you have lupus and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, plan ahead for adequate medical care before, during…

  • a mother breastfeeds her baby

    Mastitis

    Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast usually caused by an infection.

  • pregnant woman in the hospital with fetal heart rate monitoring sensors strapped to her abdomen

    Monitoring Baby’s Heart Rate During Labor

    Fetal heart rate monitoring keeps track of your baby’s heart rate. This helps your doctor detect problems that may develop…

  • A young woman leans over a toilet bowl as if she may vomit. Morning sickness refers to the nausea and vomiting some people have when they become pregnant. It affects the majority of pregnant people.

    Morning Sickness

    Morning sickness refers to the nausea and vomiting that some people have when they become pregnant. Morning sickness is very…

  • Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy

    If you have multiple sclerosis (MS) and are planning to get pregnant, talk to your doctor beforehand.

  • Natural Family Planning

    Natural family planning (NFP) is a form of pregnancy planning. It does not involve medicine or devices. It tracks when…

  • Doctor collecting blood from newborn child in hospital for screening tests

    Newborn Screening Tests

    Newborn screenings are important to find and treat certain health issues that aren’t always visible at birth.

  • pregnant woman holding scale with other hand on her belly

    Obesity and Pregnancy

    Women who have obesity can have healthy pregnancies. It is important to receive regular prenatal care to manage risks to…

  • couple talking to a doctor

    Options After Fertility Treatments

    When infertility treatments fail it can be very upsetting for a couple looking to have a baby. However, there are…

  • close up of pregnant woman reading label on a medicine bottle at the pharmacy

    OTC Medicines and Pregnancy

    Over-the-counter medicines can present potential health problems if you are pregnant. Know the risks and talk to you doctor before…

  • Pica

    Pica is a compulsive eating disorder in which people eat nonfood items. Dirt, clay, and flaking paint are the most…

  • A woman sits with head down while holding baby pajamas.

    Postpartum Depression (PPD)

    Postpartum depression effects women after giving birth. It involves feelings of sadness, loneliness, worthlessness and restlessness that can last for…

  • Two mothers walk their babies in strollers through the park.

    Postpartum Depression Action Plan

    A postpartum depression action plan is important if you are at risk of developing postpartum depression after your baby is…

  • mother stands in nursery holding sleeping newborn

    Postpartum Health

    After giving birth, your body changes and complications can occur. Learn the complications and warning signs.

  • illustration of unborn baby in the womb with DNA strand in the background

    Preconception Carrier Screenings

    Preconception carrier screenings are pre-pregnancy tests a woman can have to determine if she or her partner are carriers of…

  • Doctor measures the blood pressure of a pregnant woman

    Preeclampsia

    Preeclampsia is a condition women can get while pregnant. It involves an increase in blood pressure and signs of damage…

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