Pregnant women often get a laundry list of foods and activities to avoid, which can be overwhelming and confusing. Although there is some controversy regarding the safety of caffeine during pregnancy, tea -- even caffeinated Lipton tea -- appears to be safe during pregnancy -- as long as it is consumed in moderation.

As you near the end of your pregnancy, sick of aching back and swollen feet, you might wake up one morning with the strange desire to repaint the bathroom or clean the attic. No, pregnancy hasn't driven you crazy -- this might be the "nesting urge" many pregnant women experience just before they go into labor.

At some point during pregnancy, your breasts will begin producing colostrum. Colostrum is a thick, yellowish liquid that will serve as the first food your baby will need, before your milk comes in.

Although every woman's experience of pregnancy and birth is different, heavy and sore breasts are not one of the recognized signs that labor is soon to begin. You might experience and notice some of the common signs yourself, such as changes in your baby's position, or changes in your vaginal discharge.

Spotting towards the end of your pregnancy is a sign of labor. This spotting occurs when the mucous plug that protects the opening of your cervix from bacteria dislodges from the cervix. Loss of the mucous plug also is known as the bloody show.

A C-section is the delivery of a baby through a surgical opening in the lower belly. It is estimated that in 2011 one-third of births in the United States required a C-section.

As you approach the end of your pregnancy, you're likely looking forward to going into labor both because you'll finally get to meet your baby and because delivery represents the end of the discomfort associated with late pregnancy.

Because some sources warn that you should avoid caffeine during pregnancy due to increased risk of preterm labor, you might wonder whether you could use caffeine to induce labor.

As you approach the end of your pregnancy, you might start to look for foods or herbs that will get your labor started. While this is completely natural -- you're eager to meet your baby and late pregnancy can be uncomfortable -- balsamic vinegar isn't likely to get your labor started.

While each woman's recovery from a C-section varies, doctors generally recommend waiting six weeks after delivery before beginning any exercises. Swimming is an ideal form of exercise after a cesarean section because it puts very little stress on your body.

Working out after pregnancy will help you lose weight all over your body, including the hips. Exercise after pregnancy has other benefits too, such as improved mood and lower risk for postpartum depression.

During a C-section, an incision is made through your abdominal muscles. After your C-section, you might be left with excess midsection weight and weak abdominal muscles.