The Advantages of Checking a Baby's Heartbeat

Checking the fetal heart rate gives important clues into an unborn baby’s health and well being. Even as early as 6 weeks into a pregnancy, assessing the fetal heartbeat can help doctors determine if potential problems with the pregnancy exist.

Sharon Perkins
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Does Sugar Intake Affect Fetal Weight Gain in the Third Trimester?

Nutrition before, during and after pregnancy impacts your baby's health. It is essential for pregnant women to eat a balanced diet that supplies their developing fetus and changing body with the right nutritional support.

Nadia Haris
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How Much Bigger Will My Belly Get Every Week in Pregnancy?

Watching your belly grow as your baby develops is one of the many joys of being pregnant. However, the state of your belly also can be a source of concern, particularly if your belly starts showing much faster than a pregnant friend’s belly or you aren’t showing at all into your fifth month.

Christa Miller
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How Much Fetal Movement Should You Feel at 18 Weeks Pregnant?

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.

Michelle Johnson
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Can Loud Noises Hurt an Unborn Baby?

When you are pregnant, exposure to loud noises can raise the risk of hearing problems and other health issues not only for you, but also for your unborn baby. Loud noises can come from a variety of sources, including airplane engines, rock concerts, workplace-associated noise or a car radio played at a high volume.

Bridget Coila
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Is It OK to Drink Coffee in the Third Trimester?

Caffeine is a stimulant that causes increased heart rate and blood pressure. It also acts as a diuretic, causing increased urination, which can lead to dehydration. Coffee and other caffeinated foods also cause heartburn for some women.

Elizabeth Sullivan
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Can Sleeping on My Stomach Harm My Unborn Baby?

Sleeping on your stomach puts pressure on your unborn baby. If it's early in your pregnancy or you're simply trying to conceive, you should try to get in the habit of sleeping on your side, so when you are further along, sleeping this way comes naturally.

Rebekah Richards
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How Precise is an Ultrasound for Determining the Exact Age of a Baby?

An accurate gestational age gives your prenatal care provider a basis for measuring the baby's development and growth. He is better able to identify problems with your baby's development with this information.

Shelley Frost
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An Upset Stomach During My 12th Week of Pregnancy

In some instances, an upset stomach and other digestive complaints during early gestation could be a sign of hyperemesis gravidarum, a potentially serious pregnancy condition that might lead to dehydration and other complications if left untreated.

Regan Hennessy
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Can Not Eating in the First Trimester Hurt the Baby?

You’re pregnant, excited – and sick to your stomach all the time. You’re still learning what foods you can eat and what foods send you running for the porcelain throne. It is difficult to get foods down, let alone keep them down during the early months of pregnancy, but your baby needs nutrition.

Genevieve Van Wyden
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4 Weeks Pregnancy Signs

Full term pregnancy is measured as 40 weeks, but the first day of pregnancy is counted as the first day of the last menstrual period. This means that at four weeks of pregnancy, a woman is just due for her menstrual period.

Sharon Perkins
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How to Get Baby to Kick Third Trimester of Pregnancy

A kicking baby isn't just a special treat for your family and friends. Baby kicks and other movements are a sign of healthy growth and development. When those movements stop or become less frequent, it can be a sign of trouble.

Lillian Downey
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