Mother and Child

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 ...

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't deemed any sleeping medications completely safe for pregnant women.Several medications, including Benadryl (found in many over-the-counter sleep aids) and Ambien, are classified as Class B medi...

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ...

It keeps your insides from falling out. It helps you warm up when you're cold and can cool you off when you're hot. It lets you feel things by touch. It protects you. What is this wondrous stuff? Your skin, of course! And what does your skin ask for ...

It keeps your insides from falling out. It helps y...

Sometimes going to sleep can seem boring. There's so much more you want to do. But if you've ever had too little sleep, you know that you don't feel very well when you're not rested. Some kids have trouble falling to sleep, sometimes called insomnia....

Sometimes going to sleep can seem boring. There's ...

"Time to get ready for bed!" someone calls from the other room. Oh, no! You're really into the great book you're reading or that computer game that you're winning. "Why do I have to go to bed?" you ask. "Sleep is boring, and I'm not even tired!" But ...

"Time to get ready for bed!" someone calls from th...

When you get your picture taken, everyone says, "Say cheese! Smile!" So you do — you open your mouth and show your teeth. When you see the picture, you see a happy person looking back at you. The healthier those teeth are, the happier you look. Why i...

When you get your picture taken, everyone says, "S...

As body parts go, your ears don't ask for much. They don't need to be brushed like your teeth or trimmed like your toenails. All your ears need is to be washed regularly, so wash them with soap and water while you're sudsing up the rest of your body ...

As body parts go, your ears don't ask for much. Th...

Cait,11, was trying to fall asleep when her 8-year-old brother, Doug, came into her room. He looked around a bit, but seemed really out of it. Then Doug went back into the hallway and stood there staring up at the hall light. Little brothers can be w...

Cait,11, was trying to fall asleep when her 8-year...

You probably know you need to eat protein, but what is it? Many foods contain protein (say: pro-teen), but the best sources are beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes like black beans and lentils. Protein builds, maintain...

You probably know you need to eat protein, but wha...

Most nosebleeds look worse than they are. In other words, nosebleeds are messy, a little uncomfortable, and sometimes even scary, but they are usually no big deal. Kids can get nosebleeds once in a while or more often. The nosebleeds that are most co...

Most nosebleeds look worse than they are. In other...

You wake up in a cranky mood. Your head hurts. You don't have the energy to even get out of bed. And you can't breathe out of your nose. What's wrong? You have a cold! Having a cold is the #1 reason kids visit the doctor and stay home from school. Ki...

You wake up in a cranky mood. Your head hurts. You...

You lean over to whisper something to your friend and you can tell by the look on your friend's face that something is up. Could it be your breath? Maybe you shouldn't have put extra onions on your hamburger at lunch. What's a kid with smelly breath ...

You lean over to whisper something to your friend ...

Acne (say: ak-nee) — also known as pimples or zits — is a totally normal part of growing up. Kids get acne because of changes that occur during puberty, the time when kids' bodies begin the many changes that turn them into adults. When you got your f...

Acne (say: ak-nee) — also known as pimples or zits...

TV shows, movies, and magazines show pictures of people who are thin. Does that mean being thin is best? Not necessarily. People come in all different shapes and sizes, and the best weight for you is one that is right for your individual body type an...

TV shows, movies, and magazines show pictures of p...

Not everyone likes organized sports or team sports. If this sounds like you, don't sweat it. We're going to talk about what keeps some kids from liking sports. With a few changes, you might find out that there is a sport out there that you could like...

Not everyone likes organized sports or team sports...

our weight has been important since the moment you were born. Maybe you even know what your birth weight was. Most babies weigh less than 10 pounds and sometimes as little as 3 or 4 pounds. But very quickly, a young baby gains weight and everyone is ...

our weight has been important since the moment you...