OVERVIEW Prenatal ultrasounds are a common part of a new mother’s prenatal testing. Using high­-frequency sound waves, ultrasounds produce images of a fetus and the mother's reproductive organs. These sessions, which are usually performed in a doctor's office, track fetal growth and development and

OVERVIEW What is a Prenatal Visit? A prenatal visit is a routine visit you make to your doctor or midwife while pregnant. You should expect to make several visits to your doctor or midwife throughout the course of your pregnancy. When Should I Schedule My First Prenatal Visit? The date of your first

OVERVIEW Pre-conception counseling involves meeting with a doctor (typically an obstetrician or gynecologist) prior to becoming pregnant. If a woman or couple are planning to have a child, experts suggest initiating this sort of counseling approximately three to six months prior to attempting conception.

OVERVIEW Considering the many chemical changes that happen before, during and after childbirth, it really should come as no surprise that many pregnant women and new mothers experience confusing mood swings. While this is normal, there does come a point when the sadness has lasted long enough and been

OVERVIEW Giving birth is a beautiful, natural process, but it can also take quite a toll on your body. Thankfully, there are plenty of tips and products out there designed to make your recovery easier. Here is what nurses and experienced moms everywhere recommend. Pain Reduction Find out if your hospital

OVERVIEW While complications could potentially happen in any pregnancy, a high­-risk pregnancy is one in which there is a greater risk of complications. A pregnancy could be considered high-­risk whenever the mother has one or more of the following risk factors: Age: Women who are younger than 18

OVERVIEW What is a First Trimester Screening? A first trimester screening, performed roughly between 11-13 weeks of pregnancy, is used to detect chromosomal abnormalities such as Down's Syndrome, Edwards' Syndrome and Patau's Syndrome. It involves two parts, a blood test and an ultrasound screening referred

OVERVIEW While most people immediately think of giving birth in a hospital, you may be surprised to hear that you do have other options, including home births and birth centers. Read on to find out which birthing option is best for you! Hospital Pros: Hospitals have plenty of emergency personnel on hand,