Articles In This Section
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Your Child’s Development: 9 Months
Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby might be doing this month.
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Your Child’s Development: Newborn
Doctors use milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby may be doing this month.
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Your Child’s Growth
From the moment parents greet their newborn, they watch the baby's progress eagerly. But how can they tell if their child is growing properly?
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Your Child’s Development: 1 Year (12 Months)
Doctors use milestones to tell if a toddler is developing as expected. Here are some things your little one might be doing this month.
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Your Child’s Development: 3-5 Days
Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby may be doing.
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Your Child’s Development: 4 Months
Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby might be doing this month.
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Your Newborn’s Growth
A newborn's growth and development is measured from the moment of birth. Find out if your baby's size is normal, and what to expect as your baby grows.
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Choosing Safe Baby Products: Toys
All toys you select for your baby or toddler should meet safety standards. These tips can help you find safe toys for your little one.
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Learning, Play, and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
Kids go from babies to toddlers during this time, from first steps to walking well. They also make major strides in language and communication.
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Learning, Play, and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old
After learning to recognize your voice, your face, and your touch, your baby will start responding more to you during these months and even give you a smile!
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Learning, Play, and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old
Your infant will learn to sit during this time, and in the next few months will begin exploring by reaching out for objects, grasping and inspecting them.
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Learning, Play, and Your Newborn
Play is the primary way that infants learn how to move, communicate, socialize, and understand their surroundings. And during the first month of life, your baby will learn by interacting with you.
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Movement, Coordination, and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
Most toddlers this age are walking and gaining even more control over their hands and fingers. Give your child lots of fun (and safe) things to do to encourage this development.
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Movement, Coordination, and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old
The reflexes they had just after birth start to disappear as babies this age gain more control over movements and interact more with their environment.
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Movement, Coordination, and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old
At this age, kids are learning to roll over, reach out to get what they want, and sit up. Provide a safe place to practice moving and lots of interesting objects to reach for.
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Movement, Coordination, and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old
From scooting to crawling to cruising, during these months, babies are learning how to get around.
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Movement, Coordination, and Your Newborn
It may seem like all babies do is sleep, eat, and cry, but their little bodies are making many movements, some of which are reflexes.
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Tummy Time
Tummy time helps babies strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles and prepare them for crawling. Here's how to do it.
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Growth Charts
Doctors use growth charts to figure out whether kids' height and weight measurements are "normal" and whether they're developing on track. Here are some facts about growth charts.
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Growth and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
You're in for a year of changes! Midway through this year, most babies are walking and starting to lose that "baby" look.
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Growth and Your 2- to 3-Year-Old
During the third year of life, toddlers are extremely active and mobile, and are learning in very physical ways.
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Is My Baby Ready for Shoes?
Find out what the experts have to say.
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What to Do When Babies Cry
During the first 3 months of life, babies cry more than at any other time. Here's how to soothe them.
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When Your Baby’s Born Premature
Premature infants, known as preemies, come into the world a few weeks earlier than full-term infants. They can have special needs that make their care different from that of other babies.
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Your Baby’s Growth: 1 Month
Put away those newborn clothes. This month your baby will grow at a surprising rate!
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Your Baby’s Growth: 10 Months
Your baby continues to grow quickly. All this activity and the foods your baby eats affect growth and weight.
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Your Baby’s Growth: 11 Months
Your baby continues to grow quickly. All this activity and the foods your baby eats affect growth and weight.
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Your Baby’s Growth: 12 Months
Your baby is almost a toddler! Here's what to expect with your little one's growth and weight this month.
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Your Baby’s Growth: 2 Months
Your baby continues to grow at a rapid pace. Here's what to expect this month.
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Your Baby’s Growth: 3 Months
This month, your baby will continue to grow quickly. Find out what to expect.
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Your Baby’s Growth: 4 Months
Your baby is growing in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.
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Your Baby’s Growth: 5 Months
Babies this age are growing in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.
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Your Baby’s Growth: 6 Months
Babies this age are growing in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.
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Your Baby’s Growth: 7 Months
Your baby continues to grow in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.
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Your Baby’s Growth: 8 Months
Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds, and may even be crawling or cruising. Here's what to expect this month.
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Your Baby’s Growth: 9 Months
Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds. Here's what to expect this month.
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Your Child’s Development: 1 Month
Doctors use milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby may be doing this month.
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Your Child’s Development: 2 Months
Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here's what your baby may do this month.
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Your Child’s Development: 6 Months
Doctors use milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby might be doing this month.
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Your Child’s Checkup: Newborn
Find out what this doctor's checkup will involve after your baby arrives.
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Your Child’s Immunizations
Immunizations protect kids from many dangerous diseases. Find out what vaccines your child needs to grow up healthy.
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Bonding With Your Baby
Bonding, the intense attachment that develops between you and your baby, is completely natural. And it's probably one of the most pleasurable aspects of infant care.
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Communication and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
Your toddler is probably saying a few first words now, but you may not be able to understand them all. Learn about how your child is communicating.
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Communication and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old
Your baby is learning to communicate through facial expressions like smiling or frowning as well as crying, squealing, babbling, and laughing. And those sounds are early attempts to speak!
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Communication and Your 2- to 3-Year-Old
Communicating with a child is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding experiences for both parent and child. Learn how to connect with your 2- to 3-year-old.
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Communication and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old
Your baby's range of sounds and facial expressions continues to grow, and your baby is also imitating sounds, which are the first attempts at speaking.
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Communication and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old
Babies this age might be about to say their first words, and communicate using body language. Read more about communicating with your baby.
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Communication and Your Newborn
From birth, your newborn has been communicating with you. Crying may seem like a foreign language, but soon you'll know what your baby needs - a diaper change, a feeding, or your touch.
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Does My Toddler Have a Language Delay?
Find out what the experts have to say.
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Reading Books to Babies
Reading aloud to your baby stimulates developing senses, and builds listening and memory skills that can help your baby grow up to be a reader.
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Separation Anxiety
Teary and tantrum-filled goodbyes are common with separation anxiety, which is a perfectly normal part of childhood development.
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Bathing Your Baby
Baths do more than keep your baby clean. They also give you a chance to bond. With a little planning and practice, both you and your baby will look forward to bath time.
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Questions to Ask When Your Baby’s in the NICU
Having a newborn in the NICU can be a stressful time. Often, parents forget to ask important questions. This list can help you prepare for the next time you talk to your baby's care team.
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Trimming Your Baby’s Nails
Cutting your little one's nails can be a bit scary. Here's how to do it safely.
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Undescended Testicles (Cryptorchidism)
Shortly before birth, a boy's testicles usually descend into the scrotum. When a testicle doesn't make the move, this is called cryptorchidism, or undescended testicles.
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When Your Baby’s in the NICU
Learn what a NICU visit will be like for your little one, what you can do to help, and how to find support for yourself.
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Why Do Newborns Need a Vitamin K Shot?
Why do newborns need a dose of vitamin K at birth? Find out what the experts have to say.
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Your Baby’s Care Team in the NICU
If your baby is getting medical care in you NICU, find out who will be caring for your baby and how they can help.
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Your Child’s Checkup: 1 Month
Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the first month.
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Your Child’s Checkup: 2 Months
Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the second month.
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Your Child’s Checkup: 3 to 5 Days
Find out what this doctor's checkup will involve a few days after your baby is born.
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Your Child’s Checkup: 4 Months
Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the fourth month.
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Your Child’s Checkup: 6 Months
Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by 6 months.
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Medical Care and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
The toddler months might continue to bring colds, bruises, and other minor emergencies, but you'll also find yourself dealing with your toddler's emerging independence.
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Medical Care and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old
You probably have lots of questions about your baby's health. When should you call the doctor, and what medical care should you expect for your baby at this age?
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Medical Care and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old
Because your baby begins to show their personality during these months, your questions might focus on physical and social development.
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Medical Care and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old
As your baby becomes more independent, you may have questions about how to prevent bumps and bruises. Here are some other topics you'll cover with your doctor.
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Medical Care and Your Newborn
You'll see your baby's doctor often during your little one's first year. Here's what to expect right after your baby arrives.
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Omphalocele
A baby born with an omphalocele has an opening where the umbilical cord goes into the belly. Some openings close on their own, but many need treatment, including surgery.
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Prenatal Test: Multiple Marker Test
The multiple marker test is a blood test done to screen for neural tube defects and chromosomal disorders.
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Common Questions About Vaccines
Vaccines protect kids from potentially deadly diseases. Learn about what they are, how they work, and what they do.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Protect Babies and Toddlers
Here's how parents can help protect their babies and toddlers from coronavirus (COVID-19).
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Diapering Your Baby
Babies may use up to 10 diapers a day! Get the basics on how to diaper like a pro.
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Erythema Toxicum
Erythema toxicum is a common rash seen in full-term newborns. No treatment is needed and it goes away on its own.
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First Aid: Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is a common skin condition in babies. In most cases, the condition clears up quickly with a few simple changes.
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Getting the Most From a Doctor’s Visit
Here are tips on the best ways to communicate with your child's doctor and get the most information during a visit.
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Getting to Know Your Newborn
When you first meet your newborn, you may be surprised by what you see. Here's what to expect.
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Health Screening Tests
Health screening tests are routine tests that check for problems before signs show up. When problems are found early, the care is often simpler and may work better.
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How Can I Comfort My Baby During Shots?
Find out what the experts have to say.
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Immunization Schedule
Which vaccines does your child need and when? Use this immunization schedule as a handy reference.
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Jaundice in Newborns
Jaundice is when a baby has yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Most types of jaundice go away on their own.
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Laundering Your Baby’s Clothes
Once a baby arrives, it can seem as if the laundry doubles! Many parents think they need to use baby detergent to clean their baby's clothes, but in most cases, this isn't necessary.
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Formula Feeding FAQs: Starting Solids and Milk
Find answers to common inquiries about introducing solids and whole milk to formula-fed babies.
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Bringing Your Premature Baby Home
If you're about to begin caring for your preemie at home, try to relax. With some preparation and planning, you'll be ready.
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Caring for Your Premature Baby at Home
Here’s what you need to know about keeping your baby safe and healthy over the next few weeks.
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Choosing a Pediatrician for Your New Baby
Along with considering baby names and buying a crib, choosing the right health care provider should be on your to-do list when you're expecting.
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Circumcision
You have a decision to make before you take your newborn son home: whether to circumcise him. Before deciding, talk to your doctor and consider the issues.
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What Can Parents Do About Heavy Metals in Baby Food?
The amount of heavy metals in baby foods is low. But here are ways to lower it even more.
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What Should I Feed My Baby if I Can’t Find Baby Formula in Stores?
There is a national shortage of baby formula. Here are tips on how to handle it.
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Why Should Babies Not Have Honey?
Babies should not have honey if they're younger than 1 year old. Here's why.
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Formula Feeding FAQs: Getting Started
Shopping for formula-feeding supplies can be daunting. Here are answers to some common questions about formula feeding.
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Formula Feeding FAQs: How Much and How Often
Get answers to some common formula-feeding inquiries, from how much newborns eat to what their diapers might look like.
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Formula Feeding FAQs: Preparation and Storage
Check out these formula-feeding bottle basics, from how to mix bottles to how to store them safely.
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Formula Feeding FAQs: Some Common Concerns
Read about how to manage common formula-feeding concerns, from spitting up and fussiness to gas and milk allergies.
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What Is Prenatal Care Before Pregnancy?
What should women who are planning a pregnancy do before they conceive? Find out here.
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What if My Baby Isn’t Born by My Due Date?
Find out what the experts have to say.
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What’s a “High-Risk” Pregnancy?
Find out what the experts have to say.
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When Do Pregnant Women Need Progesterone Shots?
Doctor may prescribe progesterone shots during a woman's pregnancy to help prevent early labor.
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Why Are Babies Born Early?
Many things can cause a baby to be born early or with health problems. Some of these things can be controlled, but others can’t. Find out what you can do to have a healthy pregnancy.
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Why Are Pregnant Women Told to Avoid Feta Cheese?
Find out what the experts have to say.
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Why Do Many Pregnant Women Pull Ligaments, Muscles, and Joints?
Find out what the experts have to say.
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Why Do Some Pregnant Women Get Varicose Veins?
Find out what the experts have to say.
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Why Do Some Women Feel Short of Breath During Pregnancy?
As a normal part of pregnancy, breathing may be affected by the increase in the hormone progesterone, which causes you to breathe in more deeply. This might make you feel as if you're working harder to get air.
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Your Newborn
Advice and information for new parents.
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Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate: Feeding Your Child
Babies born with a cleft may need some feeding help from special bottle systems. Find out what's available and how they work.
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Finger Foods for Babies
When they're around 9 months old, babies can begin feeding themselves. Find out which foods are safe, healthy options and which should not be served to little ones.
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Is Homemade Baby Formula Safe?
Parents might want to make their own infant formula for many reasons. But commercially prepared formula is the best and safest choice. Here's why.
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Stopping the Bottle
Transitioning a baby from a bottle to a cup isn't always easy, as babies can become attached to their bottles. These tips can help parents make the switch.
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Week 24
Your baby's inner ear has developed enough that your baby can know when he or she is upside down or right side up in your belly.
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Week 25
You may notice that your baby has resting and alert periods. Your baby's hearing has continued to develop, too — he or she may now be able to hear your voice!
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Week 26
Your baby now weighs a little less than 2 pounds and will gain weight steadily until birth.
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Week 27
This first week of the third trimester, your baby looks similar to what he or she will look like at birth - just smaller and thinner.
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Week 28
Your health care provider may tell you whether your baby is headfirst or feet- or bottom-first (called breech position). Don't worry if your baby is in the breech position right now — most babies will switch positions on their own.
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Week 29
Your active baby's first few flutters of movement have given way to hard jabs and kicks that may take your breath away.
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Week 3
During this week, the rapidly dividing fertilized egg will implant itself in the uterus, at the site that eventually will become the placenta.
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Week 30
Your baby continues to gain weight and layers of fat that will provide warmth after birth.
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Week 31
By now, the milk glands in your breasts may have started to make colostrum, the milk that will feed the baby in the first few days if you decide to breastfeed.
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Week 32
At this stage in the pregnancy, your baby's hair is developing, in the form of eyelashes, eyebrows, and on your baby's head.
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Week 33
Like a newborn, your baby sleeps much of the time and even has REM sleep, the stage when our most vivid dreams happen.
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Week 34
Your baby is probably in position for delivery — your health care provider can tell you if your baby is positioned head- or bottom-first.
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Week 35
Because of increasing size, your baby is now cramped and restricted inside the uterus. Fetal movements may decrease, but feel stronger and more forceful.
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Week 36
At this point, your appetite may return because the baby has dropped down into your pelvis, and is no longer putting as much pressure on your stomach and intestines.
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Week 37
This week, your baby continues to gain weight — at half an ounce a day!
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Week 38
At this point, you may be taking frequent trips to the bathroom. That's because your baby is engaged in your pelvis, so your bladder is extremely compressed.
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Week 39
Braxton Hicks contractions (also called "false labor") may become more pronounced, and your water may break.
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Week 4
During this week, your baby, or embryo, has two layers of cells that will develop into organs and body parts.
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Week 40
Your baby is here! Or maybe not — most women, especially first-time moms, don't deliver on their estimated due dates.
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Week 5
This week, the embryo begins to form a distinct shape that includes the neural tube, which will become the spinal cord and brain.
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Week 6
Your baby's heart will begin to beat around this time, and the beginnings of the digestive and respiratory systems are forming, as are small buds that will grow into arms and legs.
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Week 7
The umbilical cord has formed, and the mouth, nostrils, ears, and eyes are some of the facial features that become more defined this week. The arm bud now has a hand on the end of it, which looks like a tiny paddle.
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Week 8
Around this time, symptoms such as a missed period, nausea, extreme fatigue, or tight clothes may make the reality of pregnancy hit home.
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Week 9
Your baby measures about 0.6 to 0.7 inches from crown to rump and weighs around 0.1 ounces. Your baby may make some first movements as muscles develop, but you won't feel them for several more weeks.
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What Are Kegel Exercises?
Doing Kegel exercises during pregnancy can help reduce incontinence (when pee leaks) caused by the weight of the baby on the bladder.
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What Can I Do to Relieve My Pregnancy Backaches?
Find out what the experts have to say.
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Treatments to Prevent Premature Birth
Some women are more likely than others to go into labor early. Find out what doctors can do to help prevent or delay early labor.
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Using Artificial Sweeteners During Pregnancy
Most FDA-approved low-calorie sweeteners are OK to use in moderation during pregnancy. Find out more.
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Using Bug Killers and Repellents During Pregnancy
Some pesticides can harm a growing fetus. But many insect repellents are considered safe to use during pregnancy.
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Using Hair Dyes and Color During Pregnancy
Because very little dye is absorbed through the skin, dying your hair is "most likely usually safe" during pregnancy, say health experts.
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Using Household Chemicals During Pregnancy
Using some household chemicals may have no effect during pregnancy, while others in high doses could be harmful.
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Using Medicines During Pregnancy
Many medicines shouldn't be used during pregnancy, but others are OK.
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Using Teeth Whiteners During Pregnancy
If you're pregnant, talk to your doctor or dentist before using bleaching products.
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Week 1
Week 1 is actually your menstrual period, but because your due date is calculated from the first day of your last period, it counts as part of your 40-week pregnancy.
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Week 10
At this point in the pregnancy, all vital organs have been formed and are starting to work together. Congenital abnormalities are unlikely to develop after week 10.
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Week 11
If you saw a picture of your baby now, you'd think you had a genius on your hands — the baby's head accounts for about half of the body length!
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Week 12
Tiny fingernails and toenails start to form this week, which is the last of your first trimester.
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Week 13
As you begin the second trimester, your baby may be able to put a thumb in his or her mouth although the sucking muscles aren't completely developed yet.
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Week 14
Some fine hairs, called lanugo, have developed on your baby's face. This soft colorless hair protects the skin and will eventually cover most of your baby's body until it is shed just before delivery.
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Week 15
Muscle development continues, and your baby is probably making lots of movements with his or her head, mouth, arms, wrists, hands, legs, and feet.
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Week 16
Your baby can hold his or her head erect, and facial muscles now allow for a variety of expressions, such as squinting and frowning.
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Week 17
Your baby is still very tiny at about 5.1 inches from crown to rump this week.