Pregnancy

Let’s face it: Childbirth is no walk in the park. But a study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology offers a glimmer of hope to moms-to-be. It turns out that adding a sweet fruit to your late pregnancy diet could shorten labor and reduce your risk of being medically induced. So, what should you load up on at the grocery store? Dates. The study, spearheaded … [Read more...] about Snack on this during pregnancy for a shorter, easier labor

If we believed what Hollywood depicts in its movies, then all babies would be born quickly, dramatically and with a whole lot of screaming. How many storylines have shown us a woman's water breaking, and only moments later, that same woman pushing in a hospital bed? These lightening quick deliveries, while possible, are hardly the norm - especially for first time moms. In real … [Read more...] about Planning ahead: Survive early labor with these 3 tips

So you're feeling unusually weak, tired and lightheaded these days? You may want to have your doctor or midwife check you for pregnancy anemia. Particularly prevalent during pregnancy, anemia results in fewer healthy red blood cells, which may mean less oxygen for your growing baby. If left untreated, anemia can cause some pretty serious consequences, such as preterm delivery, … [Read more...] about How to spot, treat and beat pregnancy anemia

Kate Hanley of Brooklyn, NY, knew that pregnancy and weight gain go hand-in-hand, so it came as no surprise when she gained 30 pounds before giving birth to her daughter, Lillian. Still, Hanley admits, “I was nervous about gaining tons of weight when I was pregnant. I made sure that the extra calories I consumed were fairly healthy and I tried not to let being pregnant be an … [Read more...] about Get your pregnancy diet right