Pregnancy
Week-by-week guidance, symptom explanations, nutrition facts, and red-flag awareness for every trimester.
Spotting in Early Pregnancy — Panic or Normal?
Light spotting in the first trimester is common — it happens in 15-25% of pregnancies and is usually caused by implantation bleeding or cervical sensitivity. However, heavy bleeding with clots, severe one-sided pain, or dizziness are emergency warning signs that need immediate medical attention.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Things Nobody Warns You About in the Third Trimester
The third trimester comes with bizarre but normal symptoms like lightning crotch, forgetfulness, vivid dreams, breathlessness, and round ligament pain. Most are caused by your baby's growth, hormonal shifts, and your body preparing for labor — annoying but not dangerous.
7 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Braxton Hicks vs Real Contractions — The Actual Difference
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, painless-to-mild, and stop with rest or hydration — they're your uterus practicing for labor. Real contractions are regular, get progressively stronger, and don't stop no matter what you do. Use the 5-1-1 rule: contractions 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for 1 hour.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Foods to Actually Avoid During Pregnancy (and Myths That Aren't True)
The real risks during pregnancy are raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs; high-mercury fish; unpasteurized dairy and juice; and deli meats unless heated until steaming. Many common fears are myths — cooked sushi, coffee under 200mg, and pasteurized soft cheeses are all fine. Alcohol is the only true zero-tolerance item.
7 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
5 Pregnancy Red Flags Every Partner Should Know
Every partner should recognize these pregnancy emergencies: severe headache with vision changes (preeclampsia), heavy vaginal bleeding, decreased fetal movement, high fever, and thoughts of self-harm. Knowing these signs can be life-saving — when in doubt, go to the ER. You don't need permission to act on instinct.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
First Trimester Week by Week — What to Expect (Weeks 1-13)
The first trimester spans weeks 1-13 and is a period of extraordinary development — by week 13 your baby has all major organs forming, a beating heart, and is about the size of a lemon. You may experience nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness as hormones surge. Key milestones include your first prenatal visit (weeks 8-10), hearing the heartbeat, and the first-trimester screening.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Second Trimester Week by Week — What to Expect (Weeks 14-27)
The second trimester (weeks 14-27) is often called the 'honeymoon period' of pregnancy — nausea fades, energy returns, and you'll likely feel your baby move for the first time. Key milestones include the anatomy scan around week 20, feeling those first kicks (quickening), and your baby reaching viability around week 24.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Third Trimester Week by Week — What to Expect (Weeks 28-40+)
The third trimester (weeks 28-40+) is the home stretch — your baby gains most of their weight, lungs mature, and the brain develops rapidly. You'll experience increasing discomfort as baby grows, but every week in the womb improves outcomes. Key milestones include the baby turning head-down, Group B strep testing at weeks 36-37, and recognizing the signs of labor.
7 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Every Pregnancy Symptom Explained — The Complete Guide
Pregnancy symptoms are caused by dramatic hormonal shifts, increased blood volume, and the physical demands of growing a baby. Most symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and aches are normal and manageable with evidence-based strategies. Knowing what's typical versus what's a warning sign empowers you to advocate for your comfort and safety.
7 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Your Prenatal Care Schedule — Every Test and Appointment Explained
Prenatal care follows a structured schedule — monthly visits through week 28, biweekly through week 36, then weekly until delivery. Key tests include first-trimester screening, the anatomy scan at week 20, glucose testing at weeks 24-28, and Group B strep at weeks 36-37. Each appointment monitors your health and your baby's development.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Pregnancy Nutrition — What to Eat, Supplements, and Hydration
Good nutrition during pregnancy supports your baby's development and your own health. Focus on folate-rich foods and at least 400mcg supplementation, 27mg of iron daily, 1000mg of calcium, adequate vitamin D, and 8-12 glasses of water. During nausea, prioritize whatever you can keep down — survival eating is completely valid in the first trimester.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Exercise During Pregnancy — What's Safe, What to Avoid
Exercise during pregnancy is not only safe for most women — it's strongly recommended. ACOG advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Benefits include reduced risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery, plus better mood, sleep, and postpartum recovery. Key safe activities include walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, and pelvic floor exercises.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Labor Preparation — Signs, When to Go, Pain Management, and C-Section
True labor contractions get progressively closer, longer, and stronger — unlike Braxton Hicks, they don't stop when you rest or change positions. Go to the hospital when contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for at least 1 hour (the 5-1-1 rule). Pain management ranges from breathing techniques and hydrotherapy to epidurals, and about 1 in 3 births in the U.S. are cesarean sections.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Pregnancy Mental Health — Anxiety, Depression, Body Image, and Fear of Birth
Mental health challenges during pregnancy are common and treatable — up to 1 in 5 women experience prenatal anxiety or depression. Hormonal shifts, physical changes, fear of childbirth, and relationship stress all contribute. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Therapy, support groups, and in some cases medication are all safe and effective options.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Medication Safety During Pregnancy — What's Safe, What to Avoid
Some medications are safe during pregnancy, some are dangerous, and many fall into a gray area. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the go-to pain reliever; avoid ibuprofen and aspirin (unless prescribed). Never stop prescribed medications without consulting your provider — untreated conditions can be more harmful than the medications used to treat them. Always check with your provider before taking anything new.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16