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.

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.

Kids with ataxic CP have trouble with balance. They may walk with their legs farther apart than other kids. And they can have trouble knowing exactly where something is.

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 are marks on the skin that a baby can develop before birth or soon after. Most birthmarks are harmless and many even go away on their own or shrink over time.

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) affects a child's muscle tone, movement, and more. This article explains causes, diagnosis, treatment, and coping.

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.

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.

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.

Heart defects happen when there's a problem with a baby's heart development during pregnancy. Most heart defects can be treated during infancy.

Babies can be born with this hip problem or develop it soon after birth. Early treatment can help the hip joint grow normally.

Dyskinetic CP, or athetoid CP, is a type of CP. Kids with dyskinetic CP have trouble controlling muscle movement.

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

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.

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.

When the body doesn't make enough growth hormone to allow a child to grow at a normal pace, it's called growth hormone deficiency. Learn how doctors check for and treat this problem.

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

Hypospadias is when the urethra — the tube that drains pee from the bladder to outside the body — opens in a different place instead of at the tip of the penis.

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

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.

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

Intussusception is the most common cause of bowel blockages in very young children. Quick treatment can help them recover without lasting problems.

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

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.

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.

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.

For most kids, these birthmarks are no big deal. Port-wine stains won't go away on their own, but they can be treated.

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.

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.

Kids with spastic CP have stiff muscles in the upper part of the body, the lower part, or both.

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.

A tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia are problems in two throat tubes that some babies are born with. Surgery repairs the tubes to help with breathing and eating.

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).

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.

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

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.

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

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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.

Find out what the experts have to say.

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

The reality of labor and birth may seem extremely far off - but now's the time to start planning for 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.

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

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

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.

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.

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 changes 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.

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.

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.

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