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.
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Sometimes complications arise during pregnancy or birth. The Web can be very useful in these situations by allowing you to do research and to connect with other parents who have experienced the same things.
- Use these sites to educate yourself but don't try to self-diagnose any conditions; consult your doctor if you feel you may be experiencing abnormal side effects during pregnancy.
- Some Web sites that are devoted to a specific pregnancy or fetal problem can seem overwhelming to someone who is just learning about it. Remember to take what you read for what it's worth. Use this information as a starting point to talk with your healthcare team.
For information about pregnancy complications ...
The Nemours Foundation
addresses the issue of bed rest during pregnancy in this section. It discusses why doctors may order bed rest, what you likely can and can't do (depending on your own doctor's orders), and tips on how to survive bed rest.
iVillage.co.uk
provides this comprehensive, alphabetized list of many of the health issues and complications that women can experience during pregnancy. From hemorrhoids to baby/maternal blood incompatibility, the authors review who is at risk, what happens, why, and what can be done about it.
The National Women's Health Information Center
describes common pregnancy complications and symptoms to look out for. Visit the "Related Information" box for advice on personal issues like "Could You Be Depressed?", "Test your Pregnancy Know-How" and "Can I take Medicine during Pregnancy?"
For information on birth defects ...
MedlinePlus
lists common birth defects in alphabetical order. Scroll down the list of links to read more on symptoms, diagnosis, genetics, related issues, and organizations that offer support.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
provides research, monitoring, and prevention information on birth defects. Lean what steps you can take to minimize your baby's risk of birth defects and find resources for children born with disabilities.
The March of Dimes
is dedicated to preventing premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality. Their "Pregnancy & Newborn" section contains information on screening tests, pregnancy complications, and birth defects, and an extensive section on grieving to help parents cope with loss.
For help dealing with stillbirths or miscarriages ...
Share
is a pregnancy and infant loss support group that answers questions and provides a forum for women who have lost their babies. Learn about support groups in your area or communicate with other women online.
The Compassionate Friends
organization offers grief support after the death of a child. The nonprofit works with individuals who have lost children of all ages. Select your state from the "Chapter Locator" menu to find a group near you (not all states have chapters).
The American Pregnancy Association
answers common questions about miscarriages. Learn who is most at risk, what the symptoms are, and how to prevent a miscarriage. Related links like "Trying to Conceive Again" are located throughout this discussion; visit them for more information.
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