I think I’m ready to become a parent! As I prepare for pregnancy, what kind of health precautions should I take?- JaneIf you're trying to become pregnant, you can take many steps to keep yourself healthy and increase the chances of having a safe and healthy pregnancy. It's important to not ... more >>

I've had an ectopic pregnancy in the past. Am I at risk for having another one if I become pregnant again?– GinaIn general, once you have an ectopic pregnancy, your chance of having another one is 10–25% — but it depends on your particular situation, the cause of the original ... more >>

I am 15 weeks pregnant with my first child and the doctor asked if I wanted a triple screen test. What exactly is this and should I get it?– SaraMost expectant women will be offered a maternal blood-screening test around weeks 16–18 of their pregnancy. Also known as a "triple marker" ... more >>

My blood type is O negative and my husband's is A positive. We just found out we're having a baby, and my doctor mentioned that there was a risk of Rh incompatibility. What does that mean?- VeronicaYour Rh factor is either positive or negative, depending on the presence of a special protein on ... more >>

I’m not diabetic, but my doctor told me that I have gestational diabetes. What does that mean? And will it last beyond my pregnancy?– JulieGestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that comes on during pregnancy and goes away after labor and delivery. It affects about 4% of all ... more >>

I'm 36 years old and pregnant. A friend told me that I automatically have a high-risk pregnancy. What is that and what does it mean?– JaneThe term "high-risk pregnancy" describes a case where a pregnant woman has one or more factors that could put her or the fetus at risk ... more >>

My doctor says that my baby may have colic. What can I do to ease his constant crying?– JuneTaking care of a baby with colic can be exhausting and often frustrating. Doctors still aren't sure exactly what causes colic, but here are some things to try that may make it easier on your baby ... more >>

It’s embarrassing to admit, but I have such bad gas now that I’m pregnant! What can I do to get some relief from the discomfort, bloating … and the embarrassment?- KristenConstipation and gas often go hand in hand. So, because many pregnant women get constipated, many have a ... more >>

I’m 7 months’ pregnant and my back is killing me! How can I get some relief?- FionaMany pregnant women have achy backs as their bellies grow larger and their muscles and spine strain to carry the extra weight. During pregnancy, the body also produces a hormone called relaxin, which ... more >>

I'm pregnant with my first child. But I'm worried because I've been a smoker since college and am afraid I won't be able to quit. How could smoking affect the pregnancy?- MichelleYou wouldn't light a cigarette, put it in your baby's mouth, and encourage your little one to puff away. As ... more >>

I had a miscarriage 2 months ago. How soon can I start trying to become pregnant again? Do I have to take any special precautions to make sure I don’t miscarry again?- NicoleSome doctors recommend that women wait 3 months (three menstrual cycles) or more before trying to get pregnant ... more >>

I’ve always enjoyed doing different kinds of exercise and want to try to stay in shape now that I’m pregnant. Are there activities or exercises I should steer clear of?- RosinaFor most pregnant women, low-impact exercise is a great way to feel better, look better, and help ... more >>

I’m 5 months pregnant. No matter what I eat, I get heartburn. Is this normal? If so, what can I do to feel better?- CariHeartburn — which, despite its name, has nothing to do with the heart — is a common pregnancy complaint. Many pregnant women experience a burning sensation in ... more >>

At 9 weeks pregnant, I’m puking every morning and sometimes at night. Is there any end to the nausea and vomiting?- VickiMuch to many women's chagrin, nausea and vomiting are a very common part of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. And despite its popular name, morning ... more >>

Now that I’m pregnant and my hormones are raging, I’d really like to continue being intimate. But could sex harm my baby?- AnnaMost pregnant women can continue having sex — it's perfectly safe for both mom and the baby, even up until the delivery. However, your doctor may ... more >>

A friend of mine who’s pregnant sometimes smokes a little pot to relax. But is it safe for her to use marijuana or any other recreational drug?- TammyNo. Pregnant women should not use recreational drugs of any kind at any time. Babies whose mothers used drugs during pregnancy could be born ... more >>

I’m 3 months pregnant and don’t drink very often but do like to have a social drink every once in a while. Is it OK to occasionally drink alcohol during pregnancy?- MayaNo. Although it may seem harmless to have a glass of wine at dinner or a mug of beer out with friends, no one has ... more >>

I’m 6 months pregnant and getting ready to go on a tropical vacation. I’m really pale and don’t want to feel self-conscious about my ever-expanding belly and my pasty skin! Is it OK to use sunless tanner during pregnancy?- LisaAlthough there's no proof that self-tanners are ... more >>

Help! I’m 6 months’ pregnant and I have hemorrhoids that are driving me crazy! And, on top of it, I’m always constipated. What do I do?!- CyndyHemorrhoids — which are actually varicose veins in the anus or rectum — are a common pregnancy complaint. They may bleed, ... more >>

We let our 3-month-old sleep with us in our bed. Is this a good idea?– Liz and EricCosleeping — sharing your bed with your baby — is an issue that people often disagree on. Proponents say it helps a baby fall asleep, is easier on nursing mothers, and promotes the bond between ... more >>

I'm 7 months pregnant. Is there a certain position I should be sleeping in at night?– SarahLying on your side with your knees bent is probably the most comfortable position to sleep in. Many doctors specifically recommend lying on your left side for improved circulation. Lying on your left ... more >>

Any suggestions on how to wean a 2-year-old? Both Mom and Dad are emotionally ready to wean, but the child doesn’t seem to be.– Kathleen and JimBreast milk is the food of choice for infants. However, long before age 2, children should be eating a diet of mostly solid foods because ... more >>

Now that I’m in my third trimester, I keep getting these painful cramps in my calves. Sometimes they even wake me up at night. What can I do to make them stop?- CarolineYou're not alone — a lot of pregnant women get these lower leg cramps, often in the middle of the night. Experts ... more >>

I know that doctors recommend breastfeeding over formula, but I’m having a hard time with it. I've worked with a lactation consultant, but it’s still not happening. I feel like a failure and am afraid to admit that I’ve been giving my baby formula! What can I do?– ... more >>

My 6-month-old son is teething and seems irritable all the time. What can I do to make teething easier for him?– AlisonAlthough some babies find teething painless, others become irritable, have sore gums, and have disruptions in their usual sleeping and eating patterns. Often, when babies ... more >>