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Alcohol and Pregnancy The risks involved with alcohol use during pregnancy Drinking alcohol while pregnant is a leading cause of birth defects in a baby. Everything a pregnant person drinks also goes to the baby. Alcohol is broken down more slowly in the baby's developing body

Anatomy: Fetus in Utero Amniotic sac. A thin-walled sac that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. The sac is filled with liquid made by the fetus (amniotic fluid) and the membrane that covers the fetal side of the placenta (amnion). This protects the fetus from injury. It also

Warning Signs During Pregnancy What are some warning signs of possible pregnancy complications? Talk with your healthcare provider about the possible warning signs of preterm labor and other pregnancy complications. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of

Medical Conditions and Pregnancy Certain health conditions may complicate a pregnancy. But with the correct care, most women can enjoy a healthy pregnancy, even with their health challenges. Diabetes before pregnancy Diabetes is a health problem where the body doesn't make enough

Delivery What are possible labor complications? Serious complications are rare during labor. But some problems can happen during this time. Some of the more common ones are listed below. Fetal meconium When the amniotic sac ruptures, the normal color of the amniotic fluid is

Calculating a Due Date A typical pregnancy lasts, on average, 280 days, or 40 weeks—starting with the first day of the last normal menstrual period as day 1. An estimated due date can be calculated by following steps 1 through 3: First, determine the first day of your last

The First Trimester The first prenatal visit The first prenatal visit is the most thorough. A healthcare provider asks the parent-to-be about their health history and does a physical exam. Certain tests and procedures are also done to check the initial health of the parent and

Hormones During Pregnancy What is the role of hormones during pregnancy? Many hormone levels are affected in the body during pregnancy. Several hormones play major roles during pregnancy. These are: Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG). This hormone is made only during

Topic Index Planning a Pregnancy Prenatal Medical Care Pregnancy Common Discomforts of Pregnancy Common Tests During Pregnancy Risks to Pregnancy Warning Signs During Pregnancy Labor and Delivery Breastfeeding Your Baby Bottle-Feeding Click on the links above to learn more about

Labor What is labor? Labor is when the uterus contracts again and again to help the cervix open (dilate) and to thin (efface). The contractions get stronger with time. This causes the fetus to move through the birth canal. Labor usually starts 2 weeks before or after the