Parenting success relies on understanding developmental benchmarks, managing maternal health during and after pregnancy, and implementing effective behavioral strategies for toddlers and teenagers.
The Equate Pregnancy Test, which is available at Wal-Mart for approximately $4, is a urine test that detects the pregnancy hormone known as human Chorionic Gonadotropin, or hCG, as early as the first day of a missed period.
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Even though pregnancy signals an increase--and menopause results from a decrease--in hormones, they result in a few similar symptoms. Most women of child-bearing age will not stop to think that their symptoms might mean menopause.
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The first trimester, or three months, of pregnancy, can present many risks to the developing fetus. Because organs, facial features, skeletal tissue and limbs are developing at this time, any negative affect on the fetus can result in serious birth defects.
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The market has plenty of choices for infant formula: cow's-milk based formula, soy formula, organic or non-organic. Choosing the right formula for your baby requires communication with your pediatrician and a bit of trial and error.
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Every human being has 46 chromosomes, including two chromosomes (X ,Y) that determine gender. The Y chromosome is unique to males. Inheriting an X chromosome from the mother and a Y chromosome from the father makes the child male.
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Abdominal pain can be a sign of many different health concerns, but some women experience a non-threatening—although sometimes intense—pain as a normal part of the ovulation cycle. About once every 26 to 28 days, a previously immature egg in one of the ovaries develops and bursts out of the ovary.
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Once you have finished potty training, you may think that your days of accidents are behind you. However, some children may start wetting themselves down the road. Before you try to correct this behavior, you should rule out any medical or psychological causes.
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Parents discipline their children in an effort to teach them appropriate ways to behave. Their morals and values are also conveyed through appropriate discipline techniques.
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The first trimester of your pregnancy is a period of rapid development for your baby. You should be extremely cautious taking any type of medication, unless you know it is considered safe. Most women try to use non-pharmacological methods before using medication. However, sometimes medications are necessary.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until your infant is at least six months old to begin introducing solid foods. Solid food, in terms of feeding infants, refers to food of greater consistency than milk.
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Being overweight affects your chances of getting pregnant. A study reported by Barbara Luke of Michigan State University looked at pregnancy rates in 50,000 women undergoing assisted reproductive technology procedures.
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The "pregnancy glow" that creates a beautiful, glowing look on the face of pregnant women is unfortunately not the only skin change that pregnant women face. Many pregnant women find that they face an increased amount of acne flareups during pregnancy due to changes in their hormones.
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While you may think your new baby will be born with fresh, smooth and perfect-looking skin, his skin will be sensitive, which makes it prone to many skin imperfections for the first few months of life.
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During the first trimester (or first three months) of pregnancy, changing hormone levels begin to transform a woman’s body in ways that help to support the growing fetus and physically prepare the mother for childbirth.
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Many parents struggle with the question of whether to stay at home with their children or place them in daycare while they work. There are many on both sides of the fence when it comes to judging which situation is in the best interest of the children.
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When a child's grades start falling, it can alarm parents. While some teens simply stop paying attention in class once they reach a certain age, poor academic performance can signal a serious underlying cause in other individuals.
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Although many women in the first trimester of pregnancy want to eat as healthy as possible, morning sickness can make it difficult to keep those healthy foods in their stomachs long enough to be digested.
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Breastfeeding is encouraged for at least the first six months of a baby's life, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. But when you feel that it is time to wean from breast milk to formula, remember to take it slowly and allow time for adjustment.
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Newborn babies are experiencing everything for the first time, including their first touch from mom and dad. This early contact helps promote healthy psychological and physical development. Lack of physical contact can prevent normal development and can even lead to higher rates of illness or death in infants.
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Pacifiers do just that -- they pacify fussy babies, using the natural sucking instinct to sooth and comfort. More importantly, pacifier use helps reduce the risk of SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, when given during naps or bedtime, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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