Pregnancy
Before, during, birth and after: the vitamins and checkups that matter, the three trimesters, prenatal tests, warning signs, pregnancy loss, recovery, postpartum mental health and breastfeeding.
- 1Getting ready for pregnancyStart a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a month before trying. A prepregnancy checkup reviews medicines, vaccines and health conditions, because the major organs form in the first 8 weeks, often before someone knows they're pregnant.
- 2The three trimestersPregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, counted from the first day of the last period, and is split into three trimesters. Organs form in the first, the baby grows fast in the second, and gains weight and matures in the third.
- 3Prenatal testsScreening tests estimate the chance of a condition; diagnostic tests tell for sure. A positive screen isn't a diagnosis. Everyone is screened for gestational diabetes, usually at 24 to 28 weeks. Whether to have genetic testing is a personal choice.
- 4Warning signs and complicationsSome warning signs during pregnancy and in the year after birth need care right away, including a severe headache, vision changes, trouble breathing, chest pain, heavy bleeding and thoughts of self-harm. Preeclampsia can develop quietly, so blood pressure is checked at every visit.
- 5Pregnancy lossMiscarriage is common, ending about 10 in 100 known pregnancies, and it's almost never caused by anything the person did. About half happen because the embryo had the wrong number of chromosomes. Grief is normal and can last longer than physical healing.
- 6Labor and birthLabor has three stages. The cervix opens to about 10 cm, the baby is pushed out, then the placenta follows. About 1 in 3 US births is a cesarean. Pain relief ranges from movement and baths to an epidural.
- 7Recovery after birthBleeding after birth lasts a few weeks and fades to brown. Leaking pee is common and pelvic floor exercises help. Have a checkup within 3 weeks and a full visit by 12 weeks, and know the warning signs that need urgent care.
- 8Postpartum mental healthThe baby blues are common and pass within two weeks. Postpartum depression is more intense, lasts longer, can start up to a year after birth, and affects about 1 in 8 people who give birth. It is treatable.
- 9Breastfeeding and feedingThe WHO recommends starting breastfeeding within an hour of birth, breast milk only for 6 months, and continuing alongside food up to 2 years or beyond. Breastfeeding lowers the parent's risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It doesn't reliably prevent pregnancy.
- 10Birth control after a babyPregnancy is possible before the first period after birth. Experts recommend waiting 18 months before the next pregnancy. Many methods, including IUDs and the implant, can start right after birth, and all are safe while breastfeeding.
- 11For partners and loved onesLearn the warning signs, because you may notice them first. Share the work, protect her sleep, and watch for postpartum depression, which can start up to a year after birth.
- QuizA short quiz on this section. Try again for new questions.
Where can I learn more?
- ACOG: Good health before pregnancy, prepregnancy care
- ACOG: How your fetus grows during pregnancy
- ACOG: Having a baby (for teens)
- ACOG: Prenatal genetic screening tests
- ACOG: Gestational diabetes
- CDC Hear Her: Urgent maternal warning signs
- ACOG: Preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy
- ACOG: Ectopic pregnancy
- ACOG: Early pregnancy loss
- NHS: The stages of labour and birth
- NHS: Pain relief in labour
- NHS: Caesarean section
- CDC FastStats: Births, method of delivery (2024 data)
- NHS: Your body after the birth
- ACOG: Postpartum depression
- ACOG Committee Opinion 736: Optimizing postpartum care
- NHS: Your 6-week postnatal check
- CDC: Depression during and after pregnancy
- WHO: Breastfeeding
- ACOG: Postpartum birth control
- CDC: Contraception and birth control methods