Pregnancy & Childbirth

Topic Index
 
Birth Statistics
 
Planning a Pregnancy
 
Prenatal Medical Care
 
Pregnancy
 
Common Discomforts of Pregnancy
 
Common Tests During Pregnancy
 
Risks to Pregnancy
 
Warning Signs During Pregnancy
 
Labor and Delivery
 
Breastfeeding Your Baby
 
Bottle-Feeding
 
Glossary
 
Online Resources
 
More than four million babies will be born in the US this year alone. Now more than ever, mothers-to-be have access to current information, advanced technologies, and skilled medical personnel to help them plan for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.
 
If you are planning to become pregnant, there are many things that you can do to help reduce risks to both you and your baby.  Proper health before deciding to become pregnant is almost as important as maintaining a healthy body during pregnancy.
 
If you are already expecting, there are also many things you can do to help minimize pregnancy and delivery complications - while also helping to provide the healthiest environment for the developing fetus, and ultimately to  ensure the health of your newborn. By following a healthy lifestyle, including a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, avoiding certain harmful substances and potentially dangerous activities or situations, and by finding a qualified caregiver to manage your pregnancy, labor, and delivery, you will be taking the appropriate steps toward the delivery of a healthy baby.

The information on this Web page is provided for educational purposes. You understand and agree that this information is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. You agree that Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital is not making a diagnosis of your condition or a recommendation about the course of treatment for your particular circumstances through the use of this Web page. You agree to be solely responsible for your use of this Web page and the information contained on this page. Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and information providers shall not be liable for any damages you may suffer or cause through your use of this page even if advised of the possibility of such damages.