Preggie Pals: Your Pregnancy, Your Way

When you picture labor and delivery, do you imagine a natural and more relaxed experience? Do you picture yourself soaring through surges by releasing fear and pain and just focusing on what your body was created to do? Hypnobirthing might be the perfect fit! What are the principles behind this childbirth preparation method, and what's needed to be successful? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Couples typically hire a professional photographer to preserve life's special moments, such your wedding today. So, why not hire a professional birth photographer to capture your little one's arrival? What exactly do birth photographers do, and how can they help make your labor and delivery experience more enjoyable? Plus, how do you go about finding a photographer that's right for you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnancy is supposed to be a happy time, but that joy can easily be overshadowed by prenatal anxiety and depression. How do you know if you're developing these conditions during your pregnancy? What are the main risk factors or warning signs? And how can you get the support you need to overcome it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a holistic approach to childbirth that helps mothers reclaim and celebrate the spiritual, emotional and psychological aspect of birth as a right of passage. How can this method, called "Birthing From Within", help you throughout your labor and delivery experience? How does it differ from other childbirth preparation methods? And what can you expect should you decide to take a class?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy. While these changes may be necessary for the growth and development of your baby, it's sometimes hard to feel good about yourself during the process. What exactly does it mean to have a healthy body image? Why is important- especially during pregnancy? Plus, our mamas weigh in on aspects of their own bodies that bothered them the most during pregnancy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Planning your baby registry can seem a bit overwhelming. If you're planning to breastfeed your baby, you may still want to add baby bottles to your list. How do you know what bottle is best for your baby? What should you know about the bottle size, style and the type of nipple? And what about all those baby bottle accessories? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we're pregnant, most of us think twice before taking any type of medicine. But, sometimes medication is necessary. We'll run through the most common over-the-counter medications typically found in bathroom cabinets to determine what's safe and what you should avoid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your due date is quickly approaching and you're still trying to figure out what to pack in your hospital bag? So, what are the essentials, and what can you essentially leave at home? We've asked some experienced moms to help us create a checklist of what belongs in your hospital bag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many pregnant women are hesitant about having any type of dental work done during pregnancy. However, maintaining proper dental care if actually recommended throughout your pregnancy. Why is good oral hygiene extremely important while pregnant? Is it safe during all trimesters? And what should pregnant women know about dental medications, antibiotics, and x-rays? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When pregnant, being on bedrest may seem like a much-deserved break. However, bedrest can also be challenging. What are the main reasons women are put on bedrest? What are some of the potential complications of bedrest? And does it really work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all seen the images on television and in the movies. A woman in labor screams her head off as she's pushing her baby through the birth canal. We've been trained to think this experience is going to be painful. So, what are your pain management options? What are epidurals and spinals and when are they used? What additional medications can help take the edge off while allowing you to stay mobile throughout labor and delivery? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each pregnancy is different, so how are we supposed to know if the symptoms we are currently feeling are "normal"? How can you tell if there's something really wrong? Today we'll expose the top 10 reasons when you'll want to pick up the phone and call your doctor or midwife. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being plus-size and pregnant in today's world can be challenging. Still, overweight women all over the world are giving birth to healthy and happy babies every day. Why does your weight matter during pregnancy? What are the risks associated with being plus size and pregnant- and are these increased percentages really that significant?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most pregnancies result in healthy babies. However, moms-to-be are offered prenatal testing as a way to determine if there are any known abnormalities in the growth and development of their unborn child. What are the benefits and risks of prenatal testing? What tests are you offered and when? And how can genetic counseling help you through the process?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a bundle of joy on the way, which means it's time to plan for your baby shower! But with so many choices to make, it's easy for the planning process to become more frustrating than fun. What are the baby shower basics? Plus, what type of baby shower is best for you? We'll explore some tips and tricks for celebrating your special day with family and friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices