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
  • 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…

  • 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.

  • 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 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…

  • woman holding stomach in pain

    Bleeding During Pregnancy – What‘s Normal?

    Having bleeding during pregnancy is not normal and requires a visit to your doctor.

  • Zika

    Zika is a virus caused by a bite from the Aedes mosquito. It is contagious and increases the risk of…

  • Family holding newborn, leaving the hospital

    Bringing Your Baby Home

    Welcoming a baby into your home is a big event. It can be scary if it is your first baby…

  • father and daughter sitting on couch reading a book together

    Being a Single Parent

    Being a single parent can be challenging. It can also be very rewarding. It’s important to find a way to…

  • A doctor holds a bag of blood while talking to patient getting a blood transfusion because of anemia symptoms.

    Anemia

    Anemia is the most common blood disorder in the U.S. It affects your red blood cells and hemoglobin. Most people…

  • Birthing Classes

    Birthing classes are an important part of preparing to have a baby. They can help you develop a birth plan…

  • Your body continues to change in the second trimester of pregnancy. As your baby continues to grow, so does your belly.

    Changes in Your Body During Pregnancy: Second Trimester

    Your body continues to change in the second trimester of pregnancy. As your baby continues to grow, so does your…

  • fetus concept

    Your Baby's Development: The Third Trimester

    The third trimester is the final part of your pregnancy in which your baby grows and matures. It lasts from…

  • 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.