There's no consensus on this, but there's good reason to be cautious when it comes to drinking coffee and other sources of caffeine. A study published in the March 2008 issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who c...
There's no consensus on this, but there's good rea...
Several decades ago, most women who were pregnant with multiples didn't find out until they were in labor. But such late-term surprises are rare today. Women typically discover they're having more than one baby during a routine ultrasound, often in t...
Several decades ago, most women who were pregnant ...
Why you need potassium during pregnancy Potassium, a mineral found in many types of food, plays an important role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in your body's cells. Potassium is also important in sending nerve impulses, helping your m...
Why you need potassium during pregnancy Potassium,...
Why you need magnesium during pregnancy When you're pregnant, magnesium helps build and repair your body's tissues. A severe deficiency during pregnancy may lead to preeclampsia, poor fetal growth, and even infant mortality. Magnesium and calcium wor...
Why you need magnesium during pregnancy When you'r...
It's no fun being sick, especially during pregnancy, when you're likely to worry about your developing baby's health as much as your own. Fortunately, you may already be immune to a number of contagious diseases. And thanks to a successful vaccinatio...
It's no fun being sick, especially during pregnanc...
What are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are blood vessels in the rectal area that have become unusually swollen. They typically range from the size of a pea to the size of a grape and can be inside the rectum or protrude through the anus. Hemorrhoids can b...
What are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are blood vessel...
Will I have to deliver by c-section if I'm carrying more than one baby? Not necessarily. Whether you're able to try for a vaginal birth depends a lot on how the babies "present" — that is, how they're positioned in the uterus.Most practitioners recom...
Will I have to deliver by c-section if I'm carryin...
I have gestational diabetes. Now what? If your doctor has diagnosed you with gestational diabetes, you've already undergone some tests to check your blood sugar (or glucose) levels. Having gestational diabetes means that your blood sugar levels are t...
I have gestational diabetes. Now what? If your doc...
How to get the pregnancy nutrients you need from a vegetarian diet"Many pregnant women who eat a vegetarian diet worry that they're not getting enough protein," says Elizabeth Somer, a dietitian and the author of Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy: Th...
How to get the pregnancy nutrients you need from a...
What is gestational diabetes? This is a type of diabetes that some women get during pregnancy. Between 2 and 10 percent of expectant mothers develop this condition, making it one of the most common health problems of pregnancy. // Diabetes is complic...
What is gestational diabetes? This is a type of di...
Why you need vitamin C during pregnancy Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is essential for tissue repair, wound healing, bone growth and repair, and healthy skin. Vitamin C also helps your body fight infection, and it acts as an antioxidant, pr...
Why you need vitamin C during pregnancy Vitamin C,...
Why you need vitamin B6 during pregnancy Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, helps your body metabolize protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It also helps form new red blood cells, antibodies, and neurotransmitters, and is vital to your baby's develop...
Why you need vitamin B6 during pregnancy Vitamin B...
The value of fats in your pregnancy diet Fats are an essential part of a healthy diet, but some fats are better for your health than others. Your goal (whether you're pregnant or not) should be to make sure you get adequate "good" fats in your diet w...
The value of fats in your pregnancy diet Fats are ...
Of course, nothing is 100 percent safe for all women, so it's a good idea to check with your doctor or midwife before taking any kind of medicine during pregnancy – even an over-the-counter product. Don't take more than the recommended dose and, if p...
Of course, nothing is 100 percent safe for all wom...
Why you need copper during pregnancy Copper, a trace mineral found in all plant and animal tissues, is essential for forming red blood cells. This is especially important during pregnancy, when your blood supply doubles. Copper also boosts your body'...
Why you need copper during pregnancy Copper, a tra...
Why am I so constipated? Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy. As many as half of pregnant women get constipated at some point. // One culprit is an increase in the hormone progesterone, which relaxes smooth muscles throughout the body, ...
Why am I so constipated? Constipation is a common ...
My gums bleed now when I floss and brush. Is that normal? Having swollen, red, tender gums that bleed when you floss or brush is a common complaint during pregnancy. About half of moms-to-be have these symptoms – a condition known as pregnancy gingiv...
My gums bleed now when I floss and brush. Is that ...
Is it normal to have some abdominal pain during pregnancy? Occasional abdominal discomfort is a common pregnancy complaint, and while it may be harmless, it can also be a sign of a serious problem. (Severe or persistent abdominal pain should never be...
Is it normal to have some abdominal pain during pr...
Convenience foods that taste good are one of the luxuries of modern living – it's just unfortunate that so many of them are full of preservatives and other ingredients you should steer clear of during pregnancy. // But there are a number of quick and...
Convenience foods that taste good are one of the l...
Most pregnancies are uncomplicated. That said, it's helpful to know which serious medical issues are most likely to affect expecting moms. Here's a quick guide to the seven most common pregnancy complications, listed from most frequent to least. Your...
Most pregnancies are uncomplicated. That said, it'...
It's common for pregnant women to feel that their allergies are worse. Actually, it's probably just that your mucous membranes are swollen, which makes you feel more puffy and stuffy. It's fine to continue getting allergy shots — they're safe for bot...
It's common for pregnant women to feel that their ...