Here are answers to common questions about getting started with breastfeeding.

Here are answers to some common questions about getting a good latch, making sure your baby is drinking, taking your baby off the breast, and more.

Here's info about how often to breastfeed your baby, how long it takes to nurse, and much more.

Here are answers to some common questions about going out in public as a breastfeeding mom - from how to do it discreetly to taming sneaky leaks.

Here are answers to some common questions about preventing and reducing breastfeeding discomfort, such as nipple and breast pain.

Here are answers to some common questions about pumping your breast milk - from buying a pump to making the process a little easier.

Here are answers to some common questions about how to keep breast milk and how to clean and sterilize supplies, from bottles to nipples to breast pump parts.

Here are answers to some common questions about breastfed babies and sleep - from where they should snooze to when they'll finally start sleeping through the night.

Here are answers to some common supplemental feeding questions - from when to introduce solids to offering breastfed babies formula.

Here are answers to some questions about common breastfeeding concerns - from biting to spitting up.

Here are answers to some common questions about handling spitting up, gagging, and other concerns during breastfeeding.

Here are answers to some common questions about your milk supply - from having too much to having too little.

Here are answers to some common questions about what breastfeeding moms should and shouldn't eat and drink.

Making a decision to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is a personal one. There are some points to consider to help you decide which option is best for you and your baby.

Here's a quick guide to an important part of feeding a baby: burping.

Toddlers have little tummies, so serve foods that are packed with the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong, and limit the sweets and empty calories.

Whether you've chosen to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby, your infant will let you know when it's time to eat.

Is your baby is ready for solid foods? Learn how and when to get started.

At this age, babies start to explore table foods.

These guidelines on breastfeeding and bottle feeding can help you know what's right for you and your baby.

Find out what the experts have to say.

With a little preparation and practice, you can bottle-feed your baby. Learn how in this step-by-step video.

Breast milk is the healthiest choice for your baby. Learn how to breastfeed your baby in this step-by-step video.

Knowing how to pump and store breast milk is an important part of feeding your baby. Learn how in this step-by-step video.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Moms who have COVID-19 can still breastfeed their babies or give expressed breast milk. Here's what to know.

If you have the flu, you can keep breastfeeding your baby. Learn more.

If you're a new mom, breastfeeding your baby can feel like a challenge. Check out this article for information on common nursing positions, proper latching-on techniques, and how to know if your baby is getting enough to eat.

Weaning is when children make the transition from breast milk to other sources of nourishment. Here's how to make this change easier on you and your child.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Making a decision to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is a personal one. There are some points to consider to help you decide which option is best for you and your baby.

Here's a quick guide to an important part of feeding a baby: burping.

Toddlers have little tummies, so serve foods that are packed with the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong, and limit the sweets and empty calories.

Whether you've chosen to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby, your infant will let you know when it's time to eat.

Is your baby is ready for solid foods? Learn how and when to get started.

At this age, babies start to explore table foods.

These guidelines on breastfeeding and bottle feeding can help you know what's right for you and your baby.

Shopping for formula-feeding supplies can be daunting. Here are answers to some common questions about formula feeding.

Get answers to some common formula-feeding inquiries, from how much newborns eat to what their diapers might look like.

Check out these formula-feeding bottle basics, from how to mix bottles to how to store them safely.

Read about how to manage common formula-feeding concerns, from spitting up and fussiness to gas and milk allergies.

Find answers to common inquiries about introducing solids and whole milk to formula-fed babies.

With a little preparation and practice, you can bottle-feed your baby. Learn how in this step-by-step video.

Parents might want to make their own infant formula for many reasons. But commercially prepared formula is the best and safest choice. Here's why.

Transitioning a baby from a bottle to a cup isn't always easy, as babies can become attached to their bottles. These tips can help parents make the switch.

There is a national shortage of baby formula. Here are tips on how to handle it.

Babies over 1 year may start to have some whole milk.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Bonding, the intense attachment that develops between you and your baby, is completely natural. And it's probably one of the most pleasurable aspects of infant care.

Your toddler is probably saying a few first words now, but you may not be able to understand them all. Learn about how your child is communicating.

Your baby is learning to communicate through facial expressions like smiling or frowning as well as crying, squealing, babbling, and laughing. And those sounds are early attempts to speak!

Communicating with a child is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding experiences for both parent and child. Learn how to connect with your 2- to 3-year-old.

Your baby's range of sounds and facial expressions continues to grow, and your baby is also imitating sounds, which are the first attempts at speaking.

Babies this age might be about to say their first words, and communicate using body language. Read more about communicating with your baby.

From birth, your newborn has been communicating with you. Crying may seem like a foreign language, but soon you'll know what your baby needs - a diaper change, a feeding, or your touch.

Find out what the experts have to say.

When you first meet your newborn, you may be surprised by what you see. Here's what to expect.

During a baby's first few days of life, it's normal for moms to feel emotional highs and lows, often called the "baby blues."

Reading aloud to your baby stimulates developing senses, and builds listening and memory skills that can help your baby grow up to be a reader.

Teary and tantrum-filled goodbyes are common with separation anxiety, which is a perfectly normal part of childhood development.

If you're a new parent, get the basics in this guide about burping, bathing, bonding, and other baby-care concerns.

Failure to thrive refers to a child's inability to gain weight and grow as expected for kids of the same age and gender. Most diagnoses are made in the first few years of life.

Baths do more than keep your baby clean. They also give you a chance to bond. With a little planning and practice, both you and your baby will look forward to bath time.

Most kids grow well but some have ”failure to thrive.” This means they don't gain weight as expected and may not grow as tall as they should.

When you first meet your newborn, you may be surprised by what you see. Here's what to expect.

You're in for a year of changes! Midway through this year, most babies are walking and starting to lose that "baby" look.

During the third year of life, toddlers are extremely active and mobile, and are learning in very physical ways.

Doctors use growth charts to figure out whether kids' height and weight measurements are "normal" and whether they're developing on track. Here are some facts about growth charts.

Find out what the experts have to say.

During the first 3 months of life, babies cry more than at any other time. Here's how to soothe them.

Premature infants, known as preemies, come into the world a few weeks earlier than full-term infants. They can have special needs that make their care different from that of other babies.

Put away those newborn clothes. This month your baby will grow at a surprising rate!

Your baby continues to grow quickly. All this activity and the foods your baby eats affect growth and weight.

Your baby continues to grow quickly. All this activity and the foods your baby eats affect growth and weight.

Your baby is almost a toddler! Here's what to expect with your little one's growth and weight this month.

Your baby continues to grow at a rapid pace. Here's what to expect this month.

This month, your baby will continue to grow quickly. Find out what to expect.

Your baby is growing in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.

Babies this age are growing in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.

Babies this age are growing in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.

Your baby continues to grow in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.

Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds, and may even be crawling or cruising. Here's what to expect this month.

Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds. Here's what to expect this month.

Doctors use milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby may be doing this month.

Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here's what your baby may do this month.

Doctors use milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby might be doing this month.

Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby might be doing this month.

Doctors use milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby may be doing this month.

From the moment parents greet their newborn, they watch the baby's progress eagerly. But how can they tell if their child is growing properly?

Doctors use milestones to tell if a toddler is developing as expected. Here are some things your little one might be doing this month.

Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby may be doing.

Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby might be doing this month.

A newborn's growth and development is measured from the moment of birth. Find out if your baby's size is normal, and what to expect as your baby grows.

If you're a new parent, get the basics in this guide about burping, bathing, bonding, and other baby-care concerns.

Babies born with a cleft may need some feeding help from special bottle systems. Find out what's available and how they work.

Is your baby is ready for solid foods? Learn how and when to get started.

At this age, babies start to explore table foods.

When they're around 9 months old, babies can begin feeding themselves. Find out which foods are safe, healthy options and which should not be served to little ones.

When babies have reflux, they spit up. Often, this happens after a feeding. Some simple feeding changes can help most babies with reflux spit up less.

Parents might want to make their own infant formula for many reasons. But commercially prepared formula is the best and safest choice. Here's why.

Almost all infants are fussy at times. But some are very fussy because they have an allergy to the protein in cow's milk, which is the basis for most commercial baby formulas.

Find out if your baby is ready for solid foods, and if so, what to give, how to give it, and which foods to avoid.

Transitioning a baby from a bottle to a cup isn't always easy, as babies can become attached to their bottles. These tips can help parents make the switch.

Weaning is when children make the transition from breast milk to other sources of nourishment. Here's how to make this change easier on you and your child.

The amount of heavy metals in baby foods is low. But here are ways to lower it even more.

There is a national shortage of baby formula. Here are tips on how to handle it.

Find out what babies should and shouldn't drink in their first year of life.

Babies over 1 year may start to have some whole milk.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Babies should not have honey if they're younger than 1 year old. Here's why.

Bonding, the intense attachment that develops between you and your baby, is completely natural. And it's probably one of the most pleasurable aspects of infant care.

All toys you select for your baby or toddler should meet safety standards. These tips can help you find safe toys for your little one.

Kids go from babies to toddlers during this time, from first steps to walking well. They also make major strides in language and communication.

After learning to recognize your voice, your face, and your touch, your baby will start responding more to you during these months and even give you a smile!

Your infant will learn to sit during this time, and in the next few months will begin exploring by reaching out for objects, grasping and inspecting them.

Play is the primary way that infants learn how to move, communicate, socialize, and understand their surroundings. And during the first month of life, your baby will learn by interacting with you.

Reading aloud to your baby stimulates developing senses, and builds listening and memory skills that can help your baby grow up to be a reader.

Apnea of prematurity (AOP) is a condition in which premature infants stop breathing for more than 15 to 20 seconds during sleep. AOP usually goes away on its own as a baby matures.

Some birth defects are minor and cause no problems. Others can be serious and require lifelong treatment.

If you're about to begin caring for your preemie at home, try to relax. With some preparation and planning, you'll be ready.

Here’s what you need to know about keeping your baby safe and healthy over the next few weeks.

Many babies are delivered via cesarean sections. Learn why and how C-sections are done.

Along with considering baby names and buying a crib, choosing the right health care provider should be on your to-do list when you're expecting.

You have a decision to make before you take your newborn son home: whether to circumcise him. Before deciding, talk to your doctor and consider the issues.

A cleft lip is when a baby's lip doesn't form properly during pregnancy. Most kids can have surgery to repair one early in life.

A cleft palate is when a baby is born with a cleft (gap) in the roof of the mouth. Most kids can have surgery to repair them early in life.

A cleft palate with a cleft lip is when a baby's lip and palate (roof of mouth) don't form properly during pregnancy. Most kids with cleft lip and palate are treated successfully with no lasting problems.

Vaccines protect kids from potentially deadly diseases. Learn about what they are, how they work, and what they do.

A baby with congenital cataracts has clouding in one or both eyes. Doctors do surgery to treat them.

Some babies are born with a thyroid gland that didn't develop correctly or doesn't work as it should. This is called congenital hypothyroidism.

Here's how parents can help protect their babies from COVID-19.

Craniosynostosis is when seams between bones in the skull close too soon. When this happens, the skull can’t expand grow as it should, and it develops an unusual shape.

Babies may use up to 10 diapers a day! Get the basics on how to diaper like a pro.

Erythema toxicum is a common rash seen in full-term newborns. No treatment is needed and it goes away on its own.

A fetal abdominal cyst is a bubble of fluid in a balloon-like bag in the belly of an unborn baby.

A fetal lung mass is an unusual lump that grows inside or next to an unborn baby’s lung. Some are treated before birth, while others are removed after the baby is born.

When babies have reflux, they spit up. Often, this happens after a feeding. Some simple feeding changes can help most babies with reflux spit up less.

Gastroschisis is when a baby is born with the intestines, and sometimes other organs, sticking out through a hole in the belly wall near the umbilical cord.

Here are tips on the best ways to communicate with your child's doctor and get the most information during a visit.

When you first meet your newborn, you may be surprised by what you see. Here's what to expect.

Health screening tests are routine tests that check for problems before signs show up. When problems are found early, the care is often simpler and may work better.

Heat rash (or miliaria) happens when sweat builds up under the skin behind blocked sweat ducts. Keeping skin cool to ease sweating can help the rash go away within a few days.

Hernias are fairly common in kids, and hernia repair is one of the most common pediatric surgeries.

Try these things to make the shots less painful and stressful for your baby.

A baby probably isn't constipated if their stool (poop) is soft, no matter how often the bowel movements happen or if the baby strains to pass them.

Learn how to treat diaper rash and help ease your child's discomfort.

Vaccines help keep kids healthy, but many parents still have questions about them. Get answers here.

Find out what the experts have to say.

If your child has a birth defect, you don't have to go it alone - many people and resources are available to help you.

An intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is bleeding in and around the brain’s ventricles. Most babies with a mild IVH do well.

Jaundice is when a baby has yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Most types of jaundice go away on their own.

Labial adhesions happen when the inner folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening become fused together. They will go away on their own during puberty if not well before that.

Once a baby arrives, it can seem as if the laundry doubles! Many parents think they need to use baby detergent to clean their baby's clothes, but in most cases, this isn't necessary.

Meconium aspiration can happen before, during, or after labor and delivery when a newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid. Although it can be serious, most cases are not.

The toddler months might bring colds, bruises, and other minor emergencies. But you'll also find yourself dealing with your toddler's growing independence.

You probably have lots of questions about your baby's health. When should you call the doctor, and what medical care should you expect for your baby at this age?

Because your baby begins to show their personality during these months, your questions might focus on physical and social development.

As your baby becomes more independent, you may have questions about how to prevent bumps and bruises. Here are some other topics you'll cover with your doctor.

You'll see your baby's doctor often during your little one's first year. Here's what to expect right after your baby arrives.

The sooner in pregnancy good care begins, the better for the health of both moms and their babies. Here's what to expect.

Miscarriages are common, and in most cases aren't preventable. But you can take steps to increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

Necrotizing enterocolitis is an intestinal disease that usually affects preemies. Medicines and therapy can help babies with NEC.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is when a baby has withdrawal from a medicine or drug the mom took while she was pregnant.

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) happens when opioid medicines or drugs are used during a woman's pregnancy, leading to withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Medical teams often treat these babies with an approach called “Eat, Sleep, Console.”

During childbirth, a brachial plexus injury can happen if the baby's neck is stretched to one side.

Newborn screening tests look for health conditions that aren't apparent at birth. Find out which tests are done.

A baby born with an omphalocele has an opening where the umbilical cord goes into the belly. Some openings close on their own, but many need treatment, including surgery.

A cleft is when tissues of the mouth or lip don't form properly when a baby is developing in the womb. The good news is that orofacial clefts are treatable.

Penile torsion is when the skin on a baby’s penis is twisted. Mild penile torsion is common and doesn’t cause any problems.

It's important for new mothers – and those who love them – to understand the symptoms of postpartum depression and reach out to family, friends, and medical professionals for help.

The multiple marker test is a blood test done to screen for neural tube defects and chromosomal disorders.

A prenatal ultrasound is a safe and painless test that shows a baby's shape and position. It can be done in the first, second, or third trimester of pregnancy.

Every parent-to-be hopes for a healthy baby, but it can be hard not to worry. Find out what tests can keep you informed of your health — and your baby's — throughout pregnancy.

Find out what tests may be offered to you during weeks 13 through 26 of pregnancy.

Pyloric stenosis can make a baby vomit forcefully and often. It can lead to serious problems like dehydration, and needs medical treatment right away.

Having a newborn in the NICU can be a stressful time. Often, parents forget to ask important questions. This list can help you prepare for the next time you talk to your baby's care team.

Sometimes when babies are born premature, they have trouble breathing. This can be caused by respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Learn what RDS is, and how babies can be helped.

Retinopathy of prematurity, which can happen in premature babies, causes abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. Some children will need surgery to prevent vision loss or blindness.

Information on prenatal care associated with Rh incompatibility, including Rh factor, risks to mother and baby, and treatment. Learn more here.

In spina bifida occulta, a baby is born with a gap in the spine's bones, but the spinal cord and its covering do not push through it.

In a submucous cleft palate, the muscles of the palate don't form properly, but the tissue that lines the roof of the mouth does. This makes these clefts harder to see.

Your baby's here! Find out what to expect on that special day first day of life.

Babies with this condition have trouble turning their heads, due to muscle tightness. Simple stretching exercises and physical therapy can help babies get better.

For some newborns, the first few breaths of life may be faster and more labored than normal because of a lung condition called transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN).

Cutting your little one's nails can be a bit scary. Here's how to do it safely.

An umbilical hernia shows up as a bump under the belly button. If a hernia doesn't go away by age 4 or 5 or causes problems, doctors may recommend surgery.

Shortly before birth, a boy's testicles usually descend into the scrotum. When a testicle doesn't make the move, this is called cryptorchidism, or undescended testicles.

Which vaccines does your child need and when? Use this schedule as a handy reference.

Find out what this well-child visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the first month.

Find out what this well-child visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the second month.

Find out what this well-child visit will involve a few days after your baby is born.

Find out what this well-child visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the fourth month.

Find out what this well-child visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by 6 months.

Find out what this well-child visit will involve after your baby arrives.

The Apgar score is the very first test given to a newborn, done right after birth in the delivery or birthing room.

Learn what a NICU visit will be like for your little one, what you can do to help, and how to find support for yourself.

Newborns need a dose of vitamin K at birth. Here's why.

If your baby is getting medical care in you NICU, find out who will be caring for your baby and how they can help.

Vaccines protect kids from many dangerous diseases. Find out what vaccines your child needs to grow up healthy.

Most toddlers this age are walking and gaining even more control over their hands and fingers. Give your child lots of fun (and safe) things to do to encourage this development.

The reflexes they had just after birth start to disappear as babies this age gain more control over movements and interact more with their environment.

At this age, kids are learning to roll over, reach out to get what they want, and sit up. Provide a safe place to practice moving and lots of interesting objects to reach for.

From scooting to crawling to cruising, during these months, babies are learning how to get around.

It may seem like all babies do is sleep, eat, and cry, but their little bodies are making many movements, some of which are reflexes.

Your baby's here! Find out what to expect on that special day first day of life.

Tummy time helps babies strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles and prepare them for crawling. Here's how to do it.

Here are 10 common surprises that can come with pregnancy.

Zika virus, spread by mosquitoes, is the cause of a serious birth defect. Here are 5 things to know about Zika and pregnancy.

It's best for babies not to be born before they're due. Learn what you can do to prevent early labor.

If you're a new parent, get the basics in this guide about burping, bathing, bonding, and other baby-care concerns.

Our week-by-week illustrated pregnancy calendar is a detailed guide to all the changes taking place in your baby - and in you!

Most healthy pregnant women can fly up to 4 weeks before their due date. After that, it's best to stay close to home in case you deliver.

It's always wise to be cautious and not drink any alcohol at all during pregnancy. Here's why.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines during pregnancy. It's best to wait until after your pregnancy for most, but a few are considered safe.

Here's how to tell the difference between true labor and false labor -- and when to get medical care.

Lead is toxic and especially harmful for a developing fetus. Fortunately, exposure to high lead levels is rare in the United States.

Labor and childbirth may seem far off, but now's the time to start creating a birth plan that details your wishes.

Whether your baby comes home from the hospital right away, arrives later, or comes through an adoption agency, homecoming is a major event.

A vaginal birth after cesarean (or VBAC) is considered a safe option for many women and their babies.

Many babies are delivered via cesarean sections. Learn why and how C-sections are done.

It's usually OK to have 1 or 2 cups of coffee during pregnancy, but it's best to not have more than that. Find out more.

Should you bank your newborn's cord blood? This article can help you decide.

We've learned a lot about about COVID-19. Here are some answers to questions about the virus and pregnancy.

Learning all you can about childbirth pain is one of the best ways to help you deal with it when the time comes.

To help reduce and/or prevent swollen ankles, try these simple steps.

Bottled water might taste better or different than tap water, but it isn’t necessarily any safer during pregnancy.

To eat well during pregnancy, your extra calories should come from nutritious foods that contribute to your baby's growth and development.

In an ectopic pregnancy, a fertilized egg has implanted outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. If undiagnosed, as the pregnancy grows, it can burst the organ that contains it and endanger the mother's life.

Epidurals can make giving birth more calm, controlled, and comfortable. Find out more.

Most women benefit greatly from exercising throughout their pregnancies. But during that time, you'll need to make a few changes to your normal exercise routine.

If a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy, her baby could be born with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which causes a wide range of physical, behavioral, and learning problems.

One of the most important ways to help prevent serious birth defects is for moms to get enough folic acid every day - especially before conception and during early pregnancy.

Find out which foods and drinks to avoid during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that comes on during pregnancy. When a woman has it, her blood sugar levels are high. That makes the unborn baby's blood sugar levels higher too.

If you're pregnant and need to get an X-ray, it's highly unlikely that low levels of X-ray radiation will be harmful.

Women who have this common but potentially dangerous bacteria while pregnant get antibiotics during labor to avoid passing the bacteria to their babies.

A midwife specializes in female reproductive health care needs such as prenatal care, labor, delivery, postpartum care, and newborn care for low-risk pregnancies.

Most moms-to-be benefit greatly from exercising. But there are some types to avoid during pregnancy.

Heartburn is common during pregnancy. Find out what can help.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Find out why doctors may induce labor if you're past your due date, how it may be done, and how it may affect you and your baby.

Intrauterine growth restriction is when a baby in the womb doesn't grow at the expected rate during the pregnancy. Women with IUGR should eat a healthy diet; get enough sleep; and avoid alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.

During pregnancy, it's best to have someone else clean kitty's litter box. Here's why.

The sooner in pregnancy good care begins, the better for the health of both moms and their babies. Here's what to expect.

Miscarriages are common, and in most cases aren't preventable. But you can take steps to increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

Some women choose to give birth using no medications at all, relying instead on relaxation techniques and controlled breathing for pain. Get more information on natural childbirth.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is when a baby has withdrawal from a medicine or drug the mom took while she was pregnant.

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) happens when opioid medicines or drugs are used during a woman's pregnancy, leading to withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Medical teams often treat these babies with an approach called “Eat, Sleep, Console.”

It's important for new mothers – and those who love them – to understand the symptoms of postpartum depression and reach out to family, friends, and medical professionals for help.

Week 1 is actually your menstrual period, but because your due date is calculated from the first day of your last period, it counts as part of your 40-week pregnancy.

At this point in the pregnancy, all vital organs have been formed and are starting to work together. Congenital abnormalities are unlikely to develop after week 10.

If you saw a picture of your baby now, you'd think you had a genius on your hands — the baby's head accounts for about half of the body length!

Tiny fingernails and toenails start to form this week, which is the last of your first trimester.

As you begin the second trimester, your baby may be able to put a thumb in his or her mouth although the sucking muscles aren't completely developed yet.

Some fine hairs, called lanugo, have developed on your baby's face. This soft colorless hair protects the skin and will eventually cover most of your baby's body until it is shed just before delivery.

Muscle development continues, and your baby is probably making lots of movements with his or her head, mouth, arms, wrists, hands, legs, and feet.

Your baby can hold his or her head erect, and facial muscles now allow for a variety of expressions, such as squinting and frowning.

Your baby is still very tiny at about 5.1 inches from crown to rump this week.

Your baby's bones had been developing but were still soft. This week, they begin to harden, or ossify.

A waxy substance called vernix caseosa is covering your baby to help protect the delicate skin from becoming chapped or scratched.

Week 2 is the midpoint of a typical menstrual cycle, when ovulation occurs and conditions are most favorable for fertilization of an egg by sperm.

You're now halfway through your pregnancy and possibly feeling your baby's first movements, which may begin between weeks 18 and 20.

Your baby's intestines are developed enough that small amounts of sugars are absorbed from the fluid your baby swallows and passed through the digestive system to the large bowel.

Brain and nerve endings are formed enough so that the fetus can feel touch, while you might be feeling irregular, painless Braxton Hicks contractions.

You may feel more forceful movements — your baby's daily workout routine includes moving the muscles in the fingers, toes, arms, and legs.

Your baby's inner ear has developed enough that your baby can know when he or she is upside down or right side up in your belly.

You may notice that your baby has resting and alert periods. Your baby's hearing has continued to develop, too — he or she may now be able to hear your voice!

Your baby now weighs a little less than 2 pounds and will gain weight steadily until birth.

This first week of the third trimester, your baby looks similar to what he or she will look like at birth - just smaller and thinner.

Your health care provider may tell you whether your baby is headfirst or feet- or bottom-first (called breech position). Don't worry if your baby is in the breech position right now — most babies will switch positions on their own.

Your active baby's first few flutters of movement have given way to hard jabs and kicks that may take your breath away.

During this week, the rapidly dividing fertilized egg will implant itself in the uterus, at the site that eventually will become the placenta.

Your baby continues to gain weight and layers of fat that will provide warmth after birth.

By now, the milk glands in your breasts may have started to make colostrum, the milk that will feed the baby in the first few days if you decide to breastfeed.

At this stage in the pregnancy, your baby's hair is developing, in the form of eyelashes, eyebrows, and on your baby's head.

Like a newborn, your baby sleeps much of the time and even has REM sleep, the stage when our most vivid dreams happen.

Your baby is probably in position for delivery — your health care provider can tell you if your baby is positioned head- or bottom-first.

Because of increasing size, your baby is now cramped and restricted inside the uterus. Fetal movements may decrease, but feel stronger and more forceful.

At this point, your appetite may return because the baby has dropped down into your pelvis, and is no longer putting as much pressure on your stomach and intestines.

This week, your baby continues to gain weight — at half an ounce a day!

At this point, you may be taking frequent trips to the bathroom. That's because your baby is engaged in your pelvis, so your bladder is extremely compressed.

Braxton Hicks contractions (also called "false labor") may become more pronounced, and your water may break.

During this week, your baby, or embryo, has two layers of cells that will develop into organs and body parts.

Your baby is here! Or maybe not — most women, especially first-time moms, don't deliver on their estimated due dates.

This week, the embryo begins to form a distinct shape that includes the neural tube, which will become the spinal cord and brain.

Your baby's heart will begin to beat around this time, and the beginnings of the digestive and respiratory systems are forming, as are small buds that will grow into arms and legs.

The umbilical cord has formed, and the mouth, nostrils, ears, and eyes are some of the facial features that become more defined this week. The arm bud now has a hand on the end of it, which looks like a tiny paddle.

Around this time, symptoms such as a missed period, nausea, extreme fatigue, or tight clothes may make the reality of pregnancy hit home.

Your baby measures about 0.6 to 0.7 inches from crown to rump and weighs around 0.1 ounces. Your baby may make some first movements as muscles develop, but you won't feel them for several more weeks.

There can be a lot of questions about what's safe during pregnancy. Find out what's OK and what you should avoid before your baby is born.

This week‑by‑week pregnancy calendar shows you some of the important developments taking place as your baby grows.

Here's a peek at what's going on inside your body during the amazing 40 weeks of pregnancy. Watch your belly — and your baby — grow!

Learn which nutrients you need while pregnant or breastfeeding, and easy ways to add them to your diet.

In amniocentesis, doctors take a sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds a baby to check for signs of problems such as chromosomal disorders, genetic problems, and neural tube defects

A chorionic villus sampling (CVS) checks cells from the placenta for chromosomal abnormalities. Most women whose pregnancies are not high-risk don't need this test.

A contraction stress test measures the fetal heart rate to ensure that a baby can handle contractions during labor.

The first trimester screening (or first trimester screen) includes a blood test and an ultrasound exam. It's done to see if a fetus is at risk for a chromosomal abnormality or birth defect.

Glucose screenings check for gestational diabetes, a short-term form of diabetes that some women develop during pregnancy.

This test checks to see if the baby responds normally to stimulation and is getting enough oxygen. It's done to check on the health of the fetus in a high-risk pregnancy or when the due date has passed.

This quick test examines fetal blood directly from the umbilical cord. It's used to detect disorders in the fetus.

A prenatal ultrasound is a safe and painless test that shows a baby's shape and position. It can be done in the first, second, or third trimester of pregnancy.

Every parent-to-be hopes for a healthy baby, but it can be hard not to worry. Find out what tests can keep you informed of your health — and your baby's — throughout pregnancy.

Find out what tests may be offered to you during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Find out what tests may be offered to you during weeks 13 through 26 of pregnancy.

Find out what tests may be offered to you during weeks 27 through 40 of pregnancy.

Are you expecting more than one baby? Find out how to take care of yourself and prepare for your multiple birth experience.

Find out why it's important to keep your core temperature at a normal level and not get overheated during pregnancy.

After giving birth, you'll notice you've changed somewhat - both physically and emotionally. Here's what to expect after labor and delivery.

Drug use during pregnancy can cause many problems, both in the mother and baby.

Information on prenatal care associated with Rh incompatibility, including Rh factor, risks to mother and baby, and treatment. Learn more here.

Bouts of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are considered normal. But when they're so severe that a woman can't keep foods down, she and her baby's health are at risk.

Like many parents-to-be, you might have questions about the safety of sex and what's "normal." That can vary widely, but you can be sure that your sex life will change during pregnancy.

Catching enough ZZZs during pregnancy can be difficult for many women. Here's why - plus tips for better sleep.

Especially during pregnancy, it’s best to avoid all tobacco or nicotine-containing products. Here's why.

Now that you're pregnant, taking care of yourself has never been more important. Here's how to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.

It hasn’t been that well-studied, but there's no proof that self-tanners are harmful to an unborn baby.

Pregnancy brings a mix of feelings, and not all of them are good. It can be even harder if you're dealing with depression or anxiety.

Some women are more likely than others to go into labor early. Find out what doctors can do to help prevent or delay early labor.

Most FDA-approved low-calorie sweeteners are OK to use in moderation during pregnancy. Find out more.

Some pesticides can harm a growing fetus. But many insect repellents are considered safe to use during pregnancy.

Because very little dye is absorbed through the skin, dying your hair is "most likely usually safe" during pregnancy, say health experts.

Using some household chemicals may have no effect during pregnancy, while others in high doses could be harmful.

Many medicines shouldn't be used during pregnancy, but others are OK.

If you're pregnant, talk to your doctor or dentist before using bleaching products.

Doing Kegel exercises during pregnancy can help reduce incontinence (when pee leaks) caused by the weight of the baby on the bladder.

Many pregnant women get lower leg cramps, often in the middle of the night. They can be extremely painful, but are usually brief.

Find out what the experts have to say.

It's quite common for babies not to arrive right on their estimated due dates. Sometimes, if a mom's health or her baby's require it, a doctor may induce labor.

What should women who are planning a pregnancy do before they conceive? Find out here.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Doctor may prescribe progesterone shots during a woman's pregnancy to help prevent early labor.

Where you choose to give birth is an important decision. Is a hospital or a birth center right for you? Knowing the facts can help you make your decision.

Many things can cause a baby to be born early or with health problems. Some of these things can be controlled, but others can’t. Find out what you can do to have a healthy pregnancy.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Find out what the experts have to say.

As a normal part of pregnancy, breathing may be affected by the increase in the hormone progesterone, which causes you to breathe in more deeply. This might make you feel as if you're working harder to get air.

Bed-sharing increases the risk of sleep-related deaths, including SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for the safest sleep environment.

Here are answers to some common questions about breastfed babies and sleep - from where they should snooze to when they'll finally start sleeping through the night.

Babies can develop a flat spot on the back of their heads, usually from sleeping in the same position too long. Alternating your baby's sleep position and providing lots of "tummy time" can help.

All new parents want their babies to sleep well. Here's what to expect in that first year, and how to help your baby sleep.

Find out what the experts have to say.

A good nap can keep kids from becoming overtired, which not only takes a toll on their moods but might make it harder for them to fall asleep at night.

Guard against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by learning how to safely put your baby to sleep.

Nighttime feedings may be a thing of the past, but in this second year of life your tot might be rising for other reasons. Learn more.

At this age, babies generally have their days and nights straightened out. Many infants even "sleep through the night," which means 5 or 6 hours at a time.

By this age, your baby should be on the way to having a regular sleep pattern, sleeping longer at night, and taking 2 or 3 naps during the day.

Sleep problems are common in the second half of a baby's first year. It's best to respond to your baby's needs with the right balance of concern and consistency.

Newborn babies don’t yet have a sense of day and night. They wake often to eat – no matter what time it is.

School-age kids need 9–12 hours of sleep a night. If they don't get it, they may be cranky or moody, hyper, and have behavior problems.

SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants 1 month to 1 year old. Though SIDS remains unpredictable, you can help reduce your infant's risk.

Swaddling babies properly may help them relax and sleep. Learn the right way to swaddle infants and keep them safe.

Your baby's here! Find out what to expect on that special day first day of life.

The Apgar score is the very first test given to a newborn, done right after birth in the delivery or birthing room.

Your baby is experiencing the first sights, sounds, and smells of the world through all five senses. What are your baby's responses to light, noise, touch, and familiar faces?

Here's how you can stimulate your baby's senses and provide a safe environment for exploration.

Here's how you can stimulate your baby's senses and provide a safe environment for exploration.

Here's how you can stimulate your baby's senses and provide a safe environment for exploration.

Your baby experiences sights, sounds, and smells with the five senses. Here's what your baby is experiencing at 2 months.

Your baby experiences sights, sounds, and smells with the five senses. Here's what your baby is experiencing at 3 months.

Your baby is working on all five senses, understanding and anticipating more and more. How can you stimulate your baby's senses?

Your baby is working on all five senses, understanding and anticipating more and more. How can you stimulate your baby's senses?

Your baby is working on all five senses, understanding and anticipating more and more. How can you stimulate your baby's senses?

The senses help your baby learn about the world. Here's what your baby is experiencing at 7 months.

Here's how you can stimulate your baby's senses and provide a safe environment for exploration.

Here's how you can stimulate your baby's senses and provide a safe environment for exploration.

Your newborn is taking in first sights, sounds, and smells while learning to explore the world through the senses. What are your baby's responses to light, noise, and touch?