Understand what an ultrasound is and why they are performed. Also, learn that there are different types of ultrasounds that can be used to monitor a baby's development throughout pregnancy.
Understand that a doula is a type of specialist who has been trained to support a laboring woman before, during, and after her birth.
Understand that it's normal for your system to seem a little off during pregnancy, and about half of all moms-to-be complain of constipation at some point. You might be wondering what might be causing this very common, yet annoying, symptom. Usually a few different factors are at work.
Taking any medications, including over-the-counter medications and supplements, can be harmful in pregnancy. Speak with your physician about all medications you are taking to determine if they are safe to continue taking during pregnancy.
Learn the difference between an early, full, later, or postterm pregnancy. Also, understand that babies who are not yet 39 weeks still have developing and maturation to do, and that is best done in the womb.
When the subject of pain control in labor comes up, most women automatically think of an epidural. While an epidural might provide the most relief, it is not your only choice. There are multiple ways your obstetrics provider can make labor less painful.
Understand the role of a midwife and that they are professional caregivers trained to help women deliver their babies.
If you are pregnant and planning for your delivery, understand what a birth plan is and how it can help communicate your wishes during labor and delivery to your healthcare providers.
Understand that preterm labor is defined as labor that starts between 20 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. Approximately 12 percent of babies are born preterm in the United States. This can be an overwhelmingly scary time, especially if you are earlier in your pregnancy. Learn what this can mean for you.
Understand that Preeclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy associated with high blood pressure and too much protein in the urine and learn what this means for your pregnancy.
Watch this video to learn common health concerns for your newborn including Jaundice and when to call your baby's health provider.
Understand that antenatal depression is depression during pregnancy and learn the treatment options for it that are available.
Watch this video to learn tips to avoid accidents when caring for your newborn such as crib safety, car seat safety, and safe bathing.
Learn strategies to help manage the physical discomforts experienced during the first few days following delivery.
Understand the common stool patterns of most bottle fed and breastfed babies, how to care for your child's sensitive diaper area and umbilical cord, and common tips to dressing your baby for comfort.
This video will illustrate the importance of prenatal education in reaching the full 40-weeks of pregnancy. It will explain the importance of maintaining a proper diet and nutrition, avoiding alcohol, drugs and cigarette smoke and controlling weight gain during pregnancy. It will provide guidance on natural, spontaneous labor that includes getting regular, prenatal checks, knowing warning signs to watch for and understanding the optimal window for brain and respiratory development. In addition, the program will discuss the dangers of using medications to induce labor, including long-term difficulties for children who are born pre-term, encouraging women to accept help and try to enjoy their pregnancies.
Watch this clip to understand how hormone changes often cause sadness and post-partum depression in new moms, and how friends and family members can support her.
Almost every parent is familiar with the sleep deprivation that comes with having a newborn, but many moms-to-be are surprised by the lack of sleep that can occur before you even deliver. Understand a few reasons why you might be struggling at night.
Miscarriage is unfortunately a common occurrence, complicating approximately 25 percent of pregnancies. Dealing with this can be very difficult, so it is important to understand your options and what to expect.
It is ideal to start making healthy lifestyle choices before you even know you're pregnant - when you are trying to conceive or doing nothing to avoid becoming pregnant. These lifestyle choices include stopping smoking and using other nicotine products, avoiding alcoholic beverages, stopping or getting treatment for drug addictions and being sure that prescription and over the counter medications that you use are safe for developing a pregnancy. And once you know you are pregnant, what you put in your body becomes even more vital. This program will share concerns about using prescription medications, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy and what you can do to help ensure a safe journey and outcome for you and your baby.
Children exposed to alcohol in utero are at risk for growth deficiencies, facial deformities, central nervous impairment, behavioral disorders, and impaired intellectual development. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is 100% preventable if women don't drink while pregnant. If a woman is pregnant and can't stop drinking, help is available.
Pregnancy is an exciting time, and if you are employed outside the home you may be eager to share your good news with your co-workers. When is it a good time to tell? And how will your pregnancy affect you in the workplace? Learn what regulations are in place to protect you on the job and how to stay safe and productive at work.
Pickles and ice cream. Chicken nuggets dipped in chocolate syrup. Mashed potatoes slathered in butter and Tabasco sauce. And plain old dirt. Learn about pregnancy cravings and why we may have them.
Research shows that babies may be able to hear sounds in the womb as early as the 18th week of pregnancy, when the ears first start to stand out from the head. But what do they hear? And do babies understand or remember anything they heard in the womb after birth? A study published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences takes an important step toward answering those questions.
Aches and pains are a normal part of pregnancy, the result of your body changing to make room for your growing baby. While managing pain without medication is ideal, medicine may be necessary for some pregnant women who have chronic pain or experience severe pain. In this program you'll learn about non-medication techniques to help alleviate pain and how to use pain medications safely.
Watch this program to learn the importance of getting vaccinated during your pregnancy, including the Flu and Tdap vaccines.
Watch this video to learn the importance of fetal kick counts, the ways to monitor your baby's movement and when you should call your doctor.
You've no doubt heard the old saying that "Pregnancy means eating for two," but it's a good idea to keep in mind that one of you is very small. While you're pregnant, it is important to follow a nutritious meal plan. However, your overall diet should not be dramatically different from your normal eating pattern. Learn more about how much weight you can safely gain during pregnancy and following a nutritious meal plan here.
Watch this video to learn what your provider will check and discuss with you during your first healthcare visit, which should occur about six weeks after delivery.
Rooming in is the practice of keeping mothers and babies together following hospital or maternity center birth. Learn how rooming in promotes breastfeeding, supports better rest for you and baby, and provides your family with a chance to bond earlier with your new addition.
Watch this video to understand what to expect about your newborn's sleeping habits and what you can do to help get him or her on a more predictable sleep schedule; and learn how to provide a safe and happy sleeping environment.
Watch this video to learn tips on newborn care including creating a safe sleep enviroment, having a feeding plan, and asking for help before you leave the hospital.
Watch this video to learn about the common symptoms of the third trimester of pregnancy including trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, hemorrhoids, and lower back pain.
Watch this video to learn the different types of baby formula and the safest way to prepare ready to use, liquid concentrate, and powdered formula.
Learn how your post-pregnancy breasts produce enough milk to feed your baby, and how breastfeeding is healthy for both of you.
Watch this program to learn how to properly prepare powder and liquid concentrate formula as well as how to clean feeding items.
Dr. Anne Schuchat, Principal Deputy Director of the CDC's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry explains what Zika is, how the virus is spread and how to best reduce your risk of infection especially if pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Watch this video to learn how to keep your newborn safe in a car seat including how to choose a car seat and how to properly install it.
Understand what is meant by cord tissue and placenta tissue banking, and learn how it is beneficial.
The majority of Shaken Baby Syndrome Cases are caused by caregivers and parents, and the majority of those are father or father figures. Here are tips for learning to control your emotions when a baby won't stop crying.
