Back to Women's Health

ABI Agency has researched the Internet to bring you
the most informative links.

News:
Have you heard? The National Women's Health Information Center now has a Breastfeeding Helpline!

New Birth Report Shows More Moms Get Prenatal Care

American Women Waiting to Begin Families

Colicky baby? Endless crying fades at 3 months

Study Identifies SIDS Risk Factors Among American Indian Infants

Courtesy of The National Women's Health Information Center

You're pregnant!
This is a thrilling and unique time that can also be a little scary. Having a baby means so much more than just carrying around some extra weight for the next nine months. That new life growing inside you will depend on you for everything it needs to be healthy and strong, before and after he or she is born. By educating yourself about pregnancy, you can learn what you need to do to promote a healthy pregnancy and ensure that you are doing everything you can to keep you and your baby healthy.

For 9 months, your body and your baby will be going through many different changes. With each trimester, there are new experiences, tests, and challenges. Your nutritional needs will change during pregnancy, so be aware of what you are eating and drinking. What you eat will affect your baby. Drinking alcohol, smoking, drugs, and many other things can harm the development of your child.

The first trimester is the most important stage in the baby's development. Most of the baby's important organs are being formed, and the baby will be growing and gaining weight for the rest of your pregnancy. During the second trimester you will notice your body changing and growing to accommodate the baby growing inside you. During your ultrasound, you might even discover if your baby is a boy or a girl. You will continue to gain weight and experience new changes as you enter the 3rd trimester. With the baby near birth, there are choices that need to be made as well as preparations for a newborn.

All these changes and decisions might seem overwhelming, but just remember that your body will adapt to the demands of pregnancy. After the birth, your body will begin to readjust to the way it was before you became pregnant. But give it time; it took nine months to have a baby and it might take some time and work to get your body back to the way it was before you became pregnant. While you are pregnant, there are many things you can do to help your pregnancy progress as smoothly and easily as possible. Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and visit your health care provider on a regular basis.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't forget that there is help available if you need it.

The National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) has created this site for expectant mothers. It provides resources about each trimester of pregnancy, fertility and contraception, preparing for the new baby, childbirth, postnatal and postpartum care, and financial assistance.

Top