Search Results for: Preterm

Preterm labor is labor that occurs before the 37th week in a normal 40-week pregnancy. The March of Dimes reports that 12 percent of babies born in the United States each year are born premature. These babies usually require longer hospital stays and experience more extensive long-term health problems. Sadly, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), premature babies account for most newborn deaths. Learn the signs of preterm labor in pregnancy so you can be prepared.

There is a common misconception while pregnant, that eating for two means you need to consume more food. While pregnant you only need 250 -300 more calories then you do before you were pregnant. Chances are if you are eating a typical American diet you are getting way over the daily calories needed even without a baby growing inside. Instead of worrying about eating enough food, focus more on its value. Everything you put in your mouth goes right into your babys development, forming the structure from which they will grow. The healthier you eat the better you will feel and the stronger your body will be to support your pregnancy. You can shift your awareness simply asking yourself these two questions: How is this food feeding me? How is this fueling my babys development?

Having a baby is one of the most natural things in the world. You’ve probably heard people say this, or entertained this thought yourself. However, acknowledging the truth of this statement does little to help you relax when you are pregnant. Pregnancy can be a time of great joy, expectation and bliss. It can also create anxiety and stress in your life, especially when symptoms arise that may signal a problem with your pregnancy. The March of Dimes warns that severe abdominal cramping during pregnancy requires a call to your health care provider.