Mother and Child

Stretch marks are red, pink, or brown streaks on the skin. Most often they appear on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and breasts. These scars are caused by the stretching of the skin, and usually appear in the second half of pregnancy. Some women noti...

Stretch marks are red, pink, or brown streaks on t...

Feelings of swelling, tingling, and numbness in fingers and hands, called carpal tunnel syndrome, can occur during pregnancy. These symptoms are due to swelling of tissues in the narrow passages in your wrists, and they should disappear after deliver...

Feelings of swelling, tingling, and numbness in fi...

Nosebleeds and nasal stuffiness are common during pregnancy. They are caused by the increased amount of blood in your body and hormones acting on the tissues of your nose. What Might Help Blow your nose gently. Drink fluids and use a cool mist humid...

Nosebleeds and nasal stuffiness are common during ...

At different times during your pregnancy, you might have sudden muscle spasms in your legs or feet. They usually occur at night. This is due to a change in the way your body processes calcium. What Might Help Gently stretch muscles. Get mild exercis...

At different times during your pregnancy, you migh...

Hemorrhoids (HEM-roidz) are swollen and bulging veins in the rectum. They can cause itching, pain, and bleeding. Up to 50 percent of pregnant women get hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy for many reasons. During pregnancy blood volu...

Hemorrhoids (HEM-roidz) are swollen and bulging ve...

About 20 percent of pregnant women feel itchy during pregnancy. Usually women feel itchy in the abdomen. But red, itchy palms and soles of the feet are also common complaints. Pregnancy hormones and stretching skin are probably to blame for most of y...

About 20 percent of pregnant women feel itchy duri...

Hormones and the pressure of the growing uterus cause indigestion and heartburn. Pregnancy hormones slow down the muscles of the digestive tract. So food tends to move more slowly and digestion is sluggish. This causes many pregnant women to feel blo...

Hormones and the pressure of the growing uterus ca...

During your pregnancy, you might feel tired even after you've had a lot of sleep. Many women find they're exhausted in the first trimester. Don't worry, this is normal! This is your body's way of telling you that you need more rest. In the second tri...

During your pregnancy, you might feel tired even a...

A woman's breasts increase in size and fullness during pregnancy. As the due date approaches, hormone changes will cause your breasts to get even bigger to prepare for breastfeeding. Your breasts may feel full, heavy, or tender. In the third trimeste...

A woman's breasts increase in size and fullness du...

Many pregnant women complain of dizziness and lightheadedness throughout their pregnancies. Fainting is rare but does happen even in some healthy pregnant women. There are many reasons for these symptoms. The growth of more blood vessels in early pre...

Many pregnant women complain of dizziness and ligh...

Many pregnant women complain of constipation. Signs of constipation include having hard, dry stools; fewer than three bowel movements per week; and painful bowel movements. Higher levels of hormones due to pregnancy slow down digestion and relax musc...

Many pregnant women complain of constipation. Sign...

As your uterus expands, you may feel aches and pains in the back, abdomen, groin area, and thighs. Many women also have backaches and aching near the pelvic bone due the pressure of the baby's head, increased weight, and loosening joints. Some pregna...

As your uterus expands, you may feel aches and pai...

My 3-year-old son is learning to do many things all by himself. Is now the time to start letting him brush his own teeth? -Erin It's fine to let him practice brushing his teeth before or after you brush them, but kids this age do not have the motor s...

My 3-year-old son is learning to do many things al...

Keeping kids' teeth healthy requires more than just daily brushing. During a routine well-child exam, you may be surprised to find the doctor examining your child's teeth and asking you about your water supply. That's because fluoride, a substance th...

Keeping kids' teeth healthy requires more than jus...

Healthy eyes and vision are a critical part of kids' development. Their eyes should be examined regularly, as many vision problems and eye diseases can be detected and treated early. Eye Doctors Be sure to make vision care and eye checks a part of yo...

Healthy eyes and vision are a critical part of kid...

Coughs are one of the most common symptoms of childhood illness. Although a cough can sound awful, it's not usually a sign of a serious condition. In fact, coughing is a healthy and important reflex that helps protect the airways in the throat and ch...

Coughs are one of the most common symptoms of chil...

Flying's Effects on Ears Many of us have felt that weird ear-popping sensation when we fly. For kids (especially babies and young children), it can seem especially odd and even scary at first. But it's a common, normal part of flying. This sometimes ...

Flying's Effects on Ears Many of us have felt that...

Although the flu season lasts from October until May, with most cases occurring between late December and early March, the flu vaccine is usually offered between September and mid-November. Getting the shot before the flu season is in full force give...

Although the flu season lasts from October until M...

The Changing Larynx Yesterday, your son sounded like he's always sounded — like a boy. But today, you heard that first crack in his voice. He's started puberty and several things about him are changing. Along with obvious changes in physical appearan...

The Changing Larynx Yesterday, your son sounded li...

If your child is sick, you'll probably have many questions to ask your doctor. But have you made a list of questions and concerns to share with your pharmacist? If you're like most parents, the answer is probably "very few" or "none." But today's pha...

If your child is sick, you'll probably have many q...

About Neurofibromatosis Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a neurocutaneous syndrome that can affect many parts of the body, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, skin, and other body systems. NF can cause growth of non-cancerous tumors on nerve tissue, p...

About Neurofibromatosis Neurofibromatosis (NF) is ...