Pregnancy

Pregnancy covers the life stage period from conception to birth. Learn about the changes that take place during this time, what to do to stay healthy, and how to help prevent complications during pregnancy.

Learn More / Page 3

There was a time when women wishing to get pregnant might try drinking a potion made with powdered wolf's penis. Alternately, she could wear a charm made from a quail's heart. Here, we examine 10 of the most common myths about getting pregnant.

By Michael Franco

When you're trying to conceive, getting the news that your hormone levels aren't normal can leave you feeling discouraged. But don't give up hope. Here, learn what high FSH levels really mean and how this affects your ability to become pregnant.

By Maria Trimarchi

Whether pregnancy is planned or a surprise, most women quickly realize they're carrying a developing child. But what if a pregnancy is both unplanned and unknown to the woman who's pregnant?

By Marianne Spoon

Advertisement

Back pain, bloating, swollen ankles, a glowing complexion and various food cravings. These common symptoms make it seem like pregnancy is pretty much the same for everyone. Not so -- there certainly are some unique pregnancies out there.

By Maria Trimarchi

Many women assume that after giving birth, their swollen fingers and ankles will shrink back to a normal size. But during the first week after delivery -- when moms are acclimating to life with a newborn -- serious swelling can strike.

By Bambi Turner

A woman's body changes a lot during pregnancy, but belly bands can help to ease the transition. Is using these products just a way to make your clothes fit better, or can they make your pregnant body feel better, too?

By Elizabeth Whitmore

Postpartum depression can make mothers feel anxious, fatigued and filled with despair. Infants don't know it, of course, but that same depression could also cause them long-term problems. (As if depressed new moms need more guilt.)

By Julia Layton

Advertisement

Stretch marks are one of pregnancy's least-loved side effects -- way down there with bloating and morning sickness. Is there any way to rid yourself of these itchy scars, or at least make them fade away faster?

By Julia Layton

Many of the most well-known old wives' tales involve pregnancy. For example, can lactating mothers get pregnant? Simply put, it depends on the circumstances.

By Josh Clark

Vanishing twins sound like something straight out of Stephen King, but it's common for one twin not to survive the first trimester. But what if, instead of being absorbed by the mother's body, the twin ends up inside the other twin?

By Molly Edmonds

The maternity ward is sure to be busy on a full moon, right? Or is the so-called lunar effect about as real as werewolves?

By Julia Layton

Advertisement

Carrying "high" means she's having a girl; "low" means a boy, says the old superstition. But is there any truth to it?

By Julia Layton & Francisco Guzman

What is the definition of abortion? Learn about the definition and controversy of abortion.

By Sinclair Intimacy Institute

How can you tell if you're pregnant? Some women notice symptoms even before they take a test. Although these aren't conclusive, you should definitely get tested if you experience any of these symptoms.

By American Baby

Studies show that the earlier in pregnancy a woman gets regular exercise, the more comfortable she is likely to feel throughout the nine months. Learn how to exercise during pregnancy to promote your and your baby's health.

By DiscoveryHealth.com writers

Advertisement

In a perfect world, using ovulation prediction kits would infallibly lead to pregnancy. The reality is more complicated, so be sure to consider the pros and cons of OPKs before trusting your fertility exclusively to this method.

By American Baby

From early on in your pregnancy, your baby is more like a newborn than you might think. Find out how he sleeps, moves around, listens to sounds and has thoughts and memories while still in the womb.

By American Baby

The truth is that no matter what your age, you're very likely to have a healthy baby as long as you are in good health, seek early prenatal care and adopt sound lifestyle habits. Here's what you can expect in your 20s, 30s, and 40s.

By American Baby

The baby isn't the only good thing that can come out of a pregnancy. Learn about other possible benefits of pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

By American Baby

Advertisement

The truth is, pregnancy is rife with Old Wives' tales that have been passed from generation to generation. Here are some of the most common myths which, while entertaining, are not at all true.

By Keith Eddleman, M.D. & Joanne Stone, M.D.

Childbirth is a miracle, but it's a rather messy one. Before you can hold that precious baby, you've got to bring it into the world -- with blood, sweat and tears.

By Shanna Freeman

Planning for a baby's arrival involves more than just picking out a name and a nursery scheme. Nowadays, you have to decide whether to save the baby's umbilical cord blood from the trash.

By Shanna Freeman

You already know that pregnant women have sensitive noses and stomachs, but you probably don't know why. Could it benefit the baby?

By Molly Edmonds

Advertisement

The technology that brought us the modern home pregnancy test didn't just save women trips to the OB-GYN. It saved the lives of rabbits. These fluffy creatures do more than just assist magicians -- they can indicate pregnancy.

By Robert Lamb

Every successful pregnancy begins with a healthy egg. But for women who are unable to conceive, there is one solution: egg donation. What does it take to be an egg donor?

By Maria Trimarchi