Pregnancy: Information You're Expecting
Want to know exactly what to expect during a given week of your pregnancy or what foods to avoid when you're expecting? The sites below can answer the questions you have about your pregnancy from start to finish. Find out how to choose a doctor, how to stay happy and healthy during your pregnancy, even how to get your home and family baby-ready with the sites in this guide.
For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.
If you are ready to have a baby there are many measures you can take to maximize your chances of ... read more »
Both your body and your baby are changing rapidly as you move through your pregnancy. This section ... read more »
Nutrition and exercise are essential elements to any healthy lifestyle but are even more important ... read more »
If you've never had a baby, or are concerned that your home is not baby-ready, use this section of the guide to learn more about what you can do to prepare your home for an infant. Lots of practical issues that you might not think of (especially if you are a first time parent) are addressed. This section can help prepare you for the big trip to the hospital, and make it smooth sailing on the return trip home as well.
- Preparing for baby isn't just having all the supplies; it may also mean preparing a child for the arrival of a new sibling. Many parenting Web sites address sibling issues.
- If you are preparing your home for your first child, consider asking friends and family members who are already parents for advice. People with experience are likely to point out crucial needs and preventative measures that you might otherwise overlook. Babies don't need all that much the first few months of life. Beware of Web sites that try to sell you things that you don't really need.
- If you are considering a home birth with a midwife or doula, ask her what she recommends you bring into your home to prepare for a birth.
- If you are a pet owner, talk to your vet about what to do with your animal before your child arrives. Your vet can tell you how care for your pet as your newborn joins the family at home.
For tips on how to prepare ...
Sutter Health
has the things you should think about well in advance of delivery, such as birthing options and delivery expectations. They provide a long list of smart preparation recommendations like keeping lots of gas in the car in case you need to get to the hospital in a hurry, and covering your mattress with a plastic sheet in case your water breaks.
iVillage
has a "Pregnancy & Parenting" portal that provides you with many links to information on how to prepare for your baby's arrival. The links below the "What's Inside" subhead include breastfeeding, car seats, circumcision, pregnancy pampering, and siblings.
For siblings ...
KidsHealth
provides this page, "Things to Expect When Your Mom is Pregnant," for siblings of the baby to come. Pregnancy and body changes are explained in child-friendly language.
To baby-proof your home ...
The New Parents Guide
outlines some basic precautions you should take to prepare your home for the arrival of your newborn. You can also buy products from this site using the links on the left.
For dealing with pets ...
The Humane Society of the United States
tells you how to prepare your pet for the arrival of the new baby, offering tips that you might not think of-like bringing home a blanket that smells like the newborn so your animal can adjust to his or her scent. The site also provides helpful advice on what kinds of diseases pets are associated with and whether or not these will be threats to your child.
To help you figure out what you'll need ...
Keep Kids Healthy
has a section called "Preparing for your baby" that includes a helpful list of the many things you should have on hand including an itemized list of clothing essentials, feeding supplies, furniture, and safety supplies, as well as items to avoid. Visit the "Ask the Pediatrician" function anytime you have a question.
The National Women's Health Information Center
provides a shopping list for the mother to be. Because it can be overwhelming to try to remember everything, this list is a great help in organizing items into categories, like things the baby will need at the hospital, safety items for home, things you'll need to transport the baby, items for the baby's room, suggested items for your home-even things you'll need as the baby gets older.
Probably the most rewarding, and difficult, part of pregnancy is childbirth. This section provides ... read more »
If you're in need of some inspiration, or want to research what names have been popular in years ... read more »
Sometimes complications arise during pregnancy or birth. The Web can be very useful in these ... read more »
Many partners don't know what to do during pregnancy or what is expected of them. This section ... read more »
If you wake up in the middle of the night with a food craving, the Internet can't help you. But if ... read more »
Most Recent Guides
Expand All Guide Sections
