The March of Dimes just released the 2012 Premature Birth Report Card. The U.S. has hit a new 10 year low for preterm births -- a significant improvement now registering at 11.7%! Still, overall, the U.S. scores a "C" as we continue to have a high rate of preterm births comparatively. This is a clear indication of work to be done! Learn more of the resources available here at Pregnancy.org to help you and your baby with a healthy start!
If you anticipate a relatively low-risk pregnancy, a midwife might be your top birthing choice. What can a midwife do for you? Learn more about midwives' approach, skills and procedures.
Today is your 36-week prenatal appointment. Your baby's close to five pounds now and may have nestled down into your pelvic area. Can you expect anything special today?
You're in the third trimester! You'll get to hear the heartbeat and you might even feel a playful or angry kick when your healthcare provider examines your bump. If you're Rh negative, you and your doctor or midwife will talk about Rhogam and your options at during this visit.
During your 20-week prenatal visit, you'll let your provider know how you're feeling and schedule any upcoming tests and screens. Our prenatal appointment planner can help you get ready.
During the second trimester prenatal checkup, you'll talk about how you're feeling and schedule optional prenatal testing. Our prenatal appointment planner can help you get ready.
You'll be offered a first trimester screening between 11 and 14 weeks. The results of an ultrasound and blood test combine to evaluated the risk that your baby has Down syndrome, trisomy 18 or trisomy 13.
Hello!
I am 11 weeks pregnant and had my first doctor appointment this morning. Upon feeling the size of my uterus, my doctor asked me if I was sure about the date of my last menstrual period because my uterus is roughly 2 weeks bigger than it should be.
I'm really excited about my wife's pregnancy and started to go to the doctor's appointments with her. But the doctor basically ignores me or gives me a silly looking smile. I want to stay involved but I'm getting really angry. Is there anything else I can do?
Dear Ms Ultrasound,
I'm 36-weeks pregnant and had an ultrasound done yesterday. The report said there was a small amount of debris in the fluid. Can this debris harm the baby?
My mom said the baby could swallow it and choke? Is she over reacting, or do I need to be concerned?
There are major differences in the way doctors and hospitals approach pregnancy and delivery. I'd like to spend the next few minutes making you a savvy consumer. The hospital is the most important choice you will make with regards your pregnancy. Is it baby friendly? Can it care for preterm babies? Take these and more into consideration when making your decision.
Dear Midwife,
I am at eight weeks according to my u/s. Dating by my LMP put me at seven weeks. I had my first ultrasound six weeks past LMP and measured 6w6d.
I went for an ultrasound at 5 weeks and 4 days (baby A's measurements) baby B was 5 weeks 2 days. All that was showing on the transvaginal ultrasound were the 2 sacs -- no yolks, poles or heartbeats which the technician said is very normal for that early on.