Preggie Pals: Your Pregnancy, Your Way

You're at least halfway through your pregnancy and your symptoms may be changing. Your growing belly may lead to hints of back and pelvic pain, or you may now be huffing and puffing when climbing a simple set of stairs. Or you may experience extreme heartburn, gas or swelling. What typically causes these common symptoms and how can you minimize the effects?

You're pregnant and you may not even know it yet. For many women, it's the early pregnancy symptoms that give it away. So, what type of symptoms can you expect during the first 20 weeks of your pregnancy? What triggers these symptoms and what can you do to overcome them?

The placenta is an amazing organ providing nourishment to your baby throughout your pregnancy. But did you know your placenta can provide you with essential vitamins and nutrients your body needs after childbirth? What are some of the benefits of consuming your placenta and are these benefits well documented? Are there any known risks or side effects? Plus, how is the placenta prepared and the importance of the herbs added during the encapsulation process.

The temperatures outside are rising- right along with your growing belly. And keeping your body cool is essential for both you and your baby. How does a pregnant woman's body temperature impact her pregnancy? What do you need to know about the sun, perspiration and exposure to air conditioning? Plus, our facebook fans share what helped them stay cool during the warm summer months.

Most pregnant women will experience at least one food craving or aversions during their pregnancy. So, what causes us to have these dramatic feelings towards certain foods? Will they continue throughout your pregnancy? How do you "tame" these intense feelings? Plus, what in the world are pica cravings?

If your baby was born prematurely, you may be concerned the same thing could happen with your future children. What exactly does a preterm labor and preterm birth look like? What factors typically trigger labor prior to 37 weeks gestation? And what can you do to minimize those risks?

When a woman becomes pregnant after 35, she is considered to be of advanced maternal age. But, what exactly does that mean? What are some of the increased risks associated with pregnancy and older women? Plus, does your prenatal care change and how?  

There's a lot to think about when you're an expecting dad. Our crazy pregnancy symptoms and mood swings can easy perplex any soon-to-be dad. But what are your partner's biggest concerns during pregnancy? Did their lives drastically change during this nine month period? How do they really feel about childbirth and watching their partners give birth to their child? Today, we ask the tough questions to our special all-dad panel! Plus, your chance to get some awesome "Daddy Swag" just in time for Father's Day from our friends at DaddyScrubs.com!

Life gets more busy when your little one finally makes her grand debut. Why not celebrate your pending arrival with a little rest and relaxation? They’re called babymoons and they’re growing in popularity. So, where should you go on your pregnancy vacation? What are some great activities to try- even when you’re in your third trimester? And how can you save a few bucks in the process?

Sometimes birth plans don't unfold the way we want, and that may mean more medical intervention such as a cesarean. If a cesarean is needed, how can you overcome initial feelings of frustration and disappointment? After your birth, what key steps can help guide you toward self-forgiveness?  Today moms who have had cesareans share their personal experience. 

Running while pregnant is a controversial topic for many non-runners. But running while pregnant can actually be quite beneficial to both mom and baby. What should you expect if you choose to run throughout your pregnancy? Can you run during all three trimesters? And what are some great ways to monitor your body to ensure you and baby are safe? Plus, your chance to save 20% on pregnancy fitness clothes that are fun, fashionable and affordable! And don't forget to enter our special Mother's Day Giveaway throughout May!

Traveling during pregnancy is cause for concern for many soon-to-be parents. So what are the facts? Can you travel throughout your pregnancy? Can seatbelts and airbags harm your baby? And are the screening tests at the airport really safe? We've got some great tips whether you're traveling by air, land or sea. 

Mothers who give birth at baby-friendly hospitals and birthing centers are more likely to exclusively breastfeed their babies and accomplish their personal breastfeeding goals. What does the term "baby-friendly" actually mean? What are the 10 steps that need to be completed in order to receive this important distinction? And what type of care can you expect to receive when delivering at one of these facilities?

The process of conceiving a child is nothing short of a miracle. What exactly needs to happen in order for a woman to become pregnant? How does ovulation work and how can you use your cycle to track your fertility? How do sperm travel to the egg and how does fertilization and implantation occur?

If you're pregnant, you may have already experienced little bouts of forgetfulness. It's called "pregnancy brain". But what actually causes it? What does it feel like? And what are five practical steps you can take to help prevent it?