Special Topics Staying HealthyManaging pregnancy discomforts From breast tenderness to indigestion, pregnancy can present varying discomforts for many women. Here are some of the most common discomforts and a few quick tips. Mommy massage: for a healthy, relaxed pregnancy From morning sickness to labor pains, massage may relieve common pregnancy woes. But not just any massage will do. Find out what's safe and what's not. Eating Right for Baby and YouExams and TestsLabor/DeliveryLabor and delivery, vaginal birthMost women give birth after 38-42 weeks of pregnancy. However, there is no way to know exactly when you will go into labor. Birth often occurs either two weeks before or after your expected due date. Learn more here about the process of childbirth. The labor dispute: epidural or natural childbirth? Newer "walking epidurals" work faster and allow the mother more feeling and pushing ability. Are they safe? And how do they compare to natural childbirth? The debate over rising rates of cesarean delivery The debate continues over the rising rate of cesarean deliveries. Is a cesarean delivery right for you? Undergoing a vaginal birth after a cesarean delivery (VBAC) is a difficult and sometimes controversial decision for pregnant women who have had a previous cesarean section. Gone is the stark delivery room and administration of heavy-duty anesthetics. Parents now have more choices than ever of the environment into which their babies will be born. Knowing what to expect during the birthing process can give you some peace of mind. Here is an overview of labor, what happens at the different stages, and how problems are identified. | Family ConcernsA pregnancy survival guide for men Your wife's belly is burgeoning, baby furniture has maxed out your credit cards, and you haven't had sex in weeks. Somehow, pregnancy isn't exactly what you or your wife had envisioned. Preparing children for the new baby Will your other children share in the excitement of their new brother or sister? Here are some tips on helping them to adjust. Complications True or False? True or false: flying during pregnancy is unsafe for the fetusYou're pregnant and about to board an airplane. Will flying harm you or your unborn baby? True or false: pregnant women should avoid catsIf you’ve ever wondered whether it was true that pregnant women should stay away from cats because their feces can cause birth defects, here’s the somewhat surprising answer: yes and no. True or false: you can predict your baby’s gender by how you carry the pregnancyIf you are pregnant and showing, chances are your friends, family, and even strangers are making guesses about whether you are having a girl or a boy. Some of them believe they are more than guessing; they feel they can determine the sex of your baby simply by looking at you. Natural and Alternative Treatments Herbs and supplements to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding |