v What should I know about postpartum depression?

Answer:Depression during or after pregnancy is perfectly normal. In fact, researchers believe it's one of the most common complications associated with pregnancy. It's thought to be caused by a comb

v How can I prepare for breastfeeding?

Answer:You know that breastfeeding is best for both you and your baby. It helps protect your child against a host of diseases in infancy, childhood, and even later on in life -- everything from ear in

v How can I make a birth plan?

Answer:A birth plan is a clear, one-page statement about how you want the birth of your baby to go. Ask your obstetrician, midwife, hospital or birthing center what the policies are for deliveries whe

v When should I call my doctor between regular visits?

Answer:You'll be seeing your obstetrician, midwife, or other prenatal care specialist very regularly over the next nine months. But how do you know when to call the doctor between prenatal checkups?

v How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?

Answer:Pregnancy doesn't equal a get-out-of-jail-free card for a caloric spending spree. Weight gain during pregnancy is a lot like Goldilocks and the Three Bears: you don't want too much, you don'

v What can I do to relieve or stave off symptoms like nausea and vomiting, heartburn, leg cramps, and hemorrhoids?

Answer:Pregnancy may come with a host of uncomfortable symptoms, but you don't have to suffer in silence. Here are some tips for preventing some of the most common symptoms of pregnancy -- or at leas

v How can I safely exercise while pregnant?

Answer:Exercise during pregnancy is generally considered safe for most healthy women and can even relieve some of the discomforts of pregnancy. Some forms of exercise that are particularly good for pr

v Are there other activities I should steer clear of? Do more of?

Answer:Do this. Don't do that. Wait, no, do this! Don't do that! It seems that the list of things you should and shouldn't do in pregnancy just keeps getting longer. Here are some key dos and don'

v What should and shouldn't I eat while I'm pregnant?

Answer:You're eating for two, as the old saying goes -- but just what are you two supposed to be eating? Get all essential vitamins and minerals daily. That means sticking with the prenatal vitamins

v What should I do before I get pregnant to ensure a healthy pregnancy?

Answer:A typical pregnancy is nine months long, but to give your baby a healthy start, think of it as twelve months -- including the three months before you get pregnant. This means that when you star