Know the signs of preterm labor and what to do if you notice them A typical pregnancy lasts for about 40 weeks. Occasionally, however, labor begins prematurely because uterine contractions can cause the cervix to open earlier than normal. Babies born before week 37 of pregnancy are considered premature:  Premature: Between 32-37 weeks Very premature: …

Learn more about what to expect during each of the 4 stages of labor Whether this is your first pregnancy or not, you may not be aware of everything that happens to your body during labor. Labor happens in four stages: First stage: Dilation of the cervix (mouth of the uterus) Second stage: Delivery of the baby Third stage: Afterbirth …

How Long Does It Take for Your Body to Go Back to Normal After Pregnancy? How long it takes for your body to go back to normal may take 6 months to a year, or even longer depending on your health and whether there were any complications during delivery. It’s easy to get the wrong idea about how long it …

How parents can help Babies at five months of age are developing rapidly. Parents can help their five-month-old baby's development by talking and reading to their baby. Teaching, cuddling, and entertaining your baby are important, too. As a parent, it is a pleasure to get involved in your five-month-old baby's development.  Parents play a critical role in promoting infant development …

Knowing when to call the pediatrician can be a perplexing prospect for new parents. Parenting brings along several challenges. Taking care of a newborn is not child's play. No child comes with an instruction manual. With so many self-proclaimed newborn "experts" out there, you may often be left perplexed. There are times when you can be entirely clueless about what …

How do a pregnant woman's hormones affect her unborn child? Breast buds are always normal in newborns. The environment provided to the baby while in the womb is crucial. It determines the growth and development of the baby in utero, as well as after the baby is born. What the mother consumes (including the medications) can affect the baby. Thus, …

Cesarean deliveries make up for an estimated 31.9 percent of all deliveries in the United States. Recovery after cesarean delivery can take as long as one and a half months. Cesarean deliveries make up for an estimated 31.9 percent of all deliveries in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recovery after cesarean delivery can …

Women respond differently to the pain of labor and delivery. Pain control options during labor and delivery are a personal choice, and a birth plan can typically be individualized according to a woman's wishes. The circumstances of labor and individual medical conditions can sometimes determine what pain relief options are needed. Available medical pain control options range from pain control …

What is colic? Colic is also known as infantile colic and excessive crying syndrome. Colic is also known as infantile colic and excessive crying syndrome. This is characterized by frequent, prolonged, and intense crying in an infant for reasons we do not know. Most of the time, the infant is healthy and is neither hungry nor has a dirty diaper. …

Dietary supplements are a general term that includes vitamins, minerals, botanicals, probiotics and other products to supplement the diet. The best vitamin supplement differs from person to person depending on their gender, age and any health conditions they have. Dietary supplements are a general term that includes vitamins, minerals, botanicals, probiotics and other products to supplement the diet. They are …