Babies who are born premature - before 37 weeks of pregnancy - can have health problems that last their whole lives. Learn ways to prevent early labor and have a healthy pregnancy.

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

Apnea of prematurity (AOP) is a condition in which premature infants stop breathing for 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 cause major disabilities. Learn about the different types of birth defects, and how to help prevent them.

Birthmarks that babies are born with, or develop soon after birth, are mostly harmless and many even go away on their own, but sometimes they're associated with certain health problems.

Babies who are born prematurely or who experience respiratory problems shortly after birth are at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), sometimes called chronic lung disease.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common congenital disorders of childhood. This article explains causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and more.

With this birth defect, tissues of the mouth or lip don't form properly when a baby is developing in the womb. The good news is that cleft lip and palate are treatable.

Clubfoot is a birth defect that makes one or both of a baby's feet point down and turn in. Most clubfeet can be successfully corrected using the nonsurgical Ponseti method.

Learn about common NICU conditions, what causes them, how they're diagnosed, how they're treated, and how long babies might stay in the unit.

Babies are born with this hip deformity or develop it soon after birth. With early treatent, kids can avoid long-term hip problems.

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

Most kids follow growth patterns that are normal, but others have ”failure to thrive” – they fail to gain weight as expected and have poor height growth.

Febrile seizures are full-body convulsions caused by high fevers that affect young kids. Although they can be frightening, they usually stop on their own and don't cause any other health problems.

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.

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.

Hernias are fairly common in kids and hernia repair is the one of the most common surgeries performed on children.

Congenital heart defects are relatively common, affecting almost 1 in every 100 newborns in the United States.

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

IUGR 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.

This bowel problem is the most common cause of bowel blockages in very young children. With timely treatment, kids recover quickly.

A common condition in newborns, jaundice refers to the yellow color of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by excess bilirubin in the blood.

Long-term exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, particularly in young kids, so it's important to find out whether your child might be at risk for lead exposure.

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.

This gastrointestinal disease is the most common and serious intestinal disease among preemies. With medications and therapy, many babies can be cured.

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

The vast majority of newborns enter the world healthy. But sometimes, infants develop conditions that require medical tests and treatment.

For most kids, these birthmarks are no big deal — they're just part of who they are. Read about port-wine stains, how to care for them, and, if necessary, what treatments are available.

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

If you just found out you're pregnant, one of the first tests you should expect is a blood-type test. This basic test determines your blood type and Rh factor, which may play an important role in your baby's health.

Spina bifida is a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings. It's usually detected before a baby is born and treated right away.

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.

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

A baby with Tay-Sachs disease is born without an important enzyme, so fatty proteins build up in the brain, hurting the baby's sight, hearing, movement, and mental development.

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

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.

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

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may seem like a foreign place, but understanding what goes on there can help. Here's how to familiarize yourself with the NICU.

Colic is common in babies - but that doesn't make it easier for parents to handle. Learn what colic is, what causes it, and what you can do about it.

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

In the happy haze of early pregnancy, the reality of labor and birth may seem extremely far off - which makes this the perfect time to start planning for the arrival of your baby by creating a birth plan that details your wishes.

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

Alleviating your anxiety about childbirth pain is one of the best ways to ensure that you'll be able to deal with it when the time comes.

Women once had to endure labor and delivery without medication to ease the pain. Now, techniques like epidurals can make giving birth more calm, controlled, and comfortable.

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.

Choosing a health care provider to care for you and your baby during your pregnancy is a big decision. For some women with low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancies, midwives are an increasingly popular option.

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.

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

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.

Advice and information for expectant and new parents.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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

One of the most important things you can do to help prevent serious birth defects in your baby is to get enough folic acid every day - especially before conception and during early pregnancy.

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

Find out what the experts have to say.

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

Genetic counselors work with people who are either planning to have a baby or are pregnant to determine whether they carry the genes for certain inherited disorders. Find out more.

Find out what tests are available to keep you informed of your -- and your baby's -- health throughout pregnancy.

Find out what tests may be offered to you during the first 12 weeks 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.

If you just found out you're pregnant, one of the first tests you should expect is a blood-type test. This basic test determines your blood type and Rh factor, which may play an important role in your baby's health.

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.

During your pregnancy, you'll probably get advice from everyone. But staying healthy depends on you - read about the many ways to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.

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.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Find out what the experts have to say.

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.

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.

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.