New parents expect sleepless nights and frequent diaper changes, but many are unprepared for the physical challenges of holding and carrying an infant for several hours each day. Back pain is a common complaint of new mothers and fathers.

Numerous physical changes occur during the months of pregnancy. In addition to the familiar symptoms of weight gain, morning sickness and fatigue, you may notice an increase in sinus mucus and congestion.

Loose abdominal muscles, extra skin, fat and a relaxed pelvic girdle all help create the hanging belly look after pregnancy. You can get that pre-pregnancy body back -- albeit with some battle-wounds -- but it is going to take time and effort. Just giving birth alone helped you shed about 10 pounds.

Colds are common during pregnancy. Since pregnancy affects your immune system, your symptoms might last longer than they would otherwise.

One of the most common cravings during pregnancy is pickles or pickle juice. While small amounts of pickle juice are safe, the high sodium concentrations in pickle juice are dangerous for both the expecting mother and her developing baby.

Many expectant mothers might adopt a "grin and bear it, it's only nine months" attitude as they cope with the aches and discomforts of pregnancy.

Many women question the safety of taking dietary supplements while pregnant. Diindolylmethane, or DIM, is a product of a compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. As a dietary supplement, DIM might be beneficial for various health conditions.

For many women, irritability, cramps, joint pains and other signs of premenstrual syndrome are sure signs that the menstrual period is about to begin. The absence of these symptoms can often cause a woman to wonder whether she may be pregnant. Pregnancy can cause the absence of PMS symptoms, but so can other factors.

Pregnant women eagerly anticipate feeling their baby's first movements. However, since perceptions of fetal movement can vary widely, you might worry that the amount of movement you feel at 18 weeks indicates that something is wrong -- whether you feel a lot of movement or none at all.

In the movies, labor is usually preceded by a dramatic and public breaking of the water, but in real life, only a very small percentage of women experience their water breaking before they go into labor.

Pregnancy nutrition focuses on eating healthy, which means choosing foods from all food groups and eating the right number of calories daily. Eating eggs every day can have some benefits during pregnancy, but there may also be risks associated with eating the same thing repeatedly.

Wanting to eat fruit, fruit and more fruit is the most common craving pregnant women have. There are different ideas and opinions about what causes cravings and what cravings actually mean, though as of 2011 the scientific evidence is sparse.