Pregnancy and Childbirth

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

All results in Pregnancy and Childbirth
  • Woman holds her wrist in pain

    De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

    De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition that affects the tendons in your wrist.

  • Ill pregnant woman lying on bed

    Dealing With Hep B and C During Pregnancy

    Women who are pregnant and have hepatitis B or C are at risk for passing the virus to their baby…

  • Man holding hand of pregnant woman in hospital bed

    Dealing with Pain During Childbirth

    Pain is part of labor. It occurs because of the things your body has to do to give birth to…

  • illustration of close-up of pregnant woman’s belly with fetus inside

    Diethylstilbestrol

    Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a cancer-causing, synthetic female hormone given to pregnant women between 1938 and 1971.

  • a young girl with Down syndrome looks up and smiles

    Down Syndrome

    Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that affects physical and intellectual development.

  • A sad woman holds a teddy bear in an empty nursery. An early pregnancy loss is a miscarriage that occurs on its own during the first 20 weeks of the pregnancy.

    Early Pregnancy Loss

    An early pregnancy loss is a miscarriage that occurs on its own in the first 20 weeks of the…

  • Illustration of female reproductive system with a close-up on an embryo developing in the fallopian tube. An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus. It can be dangerous to the mother if not treated early enough.

    Ectopic Pregnancy

    An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus. It can be dangerous to the mother if…

  • A woman puts on compression stockings. Edema is a swelling or puffiness of part of the body, usually the feet, ankles and legs. It sometimes occurs in the face and hands.

    Edema

    Edema is a swelling or puffiness of part of the body, usually the feet, ankles and legs. It sometimes occurs…

  • Close-up of a woman’s hands holding a positive pregnancy test. Ending a pregnancy is called induced abortion. The decision can be made for therapeutic or elective reasons.

    Ending a Pregnancy

    Ending a pregnancy is called induced abortion. The decision is made for therapeutic or elective reasons.

  • pregnant woman standing at window, smiling at belly

    Epilepsy and Pregnancy

    Women who have epilepsy are at higher risk for complications during pregnancy, making medical care before, during, and after their…

  • doctor speaking to couple sitting at desk

    Evaluating and Treating Infertility

    For couples experiencing infertility, it’s important to evaluate and treat the cause of the problem.

  • Pregnant woman uses dumbbells to exercise

    Exercise During Pregnancy

    Exercise offers many benefits during a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program while…

  • close-up of pregnant woman with her hands on her stomach

    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

    Fetal alcohol syndrome is a group of problems occurring in a baby when the mother drinks alcohol while pregnant.

  • Fetal Growth Restriction

    Sometimes babies don’t grow at the normal rate before they are born. Taking care of your body and regular visits…

  • pregnant woman having an ultrasound

    Fetal Ultrasound

    A fetal ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to create an image of your unborn baby on a…

  • A pregnant woman gets a flu shot in the arm.

    Flu Vaccine During Pregnancy

    Not only is getting a flu shot safe for pregnant women, but it will also help to protect both you…

  • A pregnant woman holding a urine sample

    Gestational Diabetes

    Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy in 1% to 3% of all pregnant women. It usually begins in the second…

  • Pregnant woman balancing bowl of salad on belly

    Healthy Eating and Pregnancy

    Eating healthy is more critical than ever during pregnancy. You’re making healthy choices for two. Your food should reflect…

  • doctor listens to a pregnant woman’s belly with a stethoscope

    Healthy Pregnancy for Women with Diabetes

    Diabetes can cause problems during pregnancy. Learn how to manage your diabetes to have a healthy pregnancy.

  • A doctor checks the blood pressure of a pregnant woman. HELLP syndrome is a rare but serious pregnancy-related illness, similar to preeclampsia, another pregnancy condition.

    HELLP Syndrome

    HELLP Syndrome is a rare but serious pregnancy-related illness, similar to preeclampsia, another pregnancy condition.