Pregnancy and Childbirth

You’re creating a life—so you probably have lots of questions. Our pregnancy and childbirth topics help you navigate this important time. We cover all stages of pregnancy and provide expectant moms and their loved ones with the critical information they need to feel their best. Learn about giving birth, getting pregnant, breastfeeding, and much more.

Some Pregnancy and Childbirth topics found here include:

Epidurals For Labor and Delivery.
Birth Control After Pregnancy.
Pregnancy After 35: How to Boost Fertility.
Egg Freezing.
Preparing for Pregnancy.
Moving Forward After a Pregnancy Loss.
New Solutions for Male Infertility.
How to Choose a Birth Plan.
The Importance of a Support System for New Parents.
Breastfeeding Support.
Bringing Your Newborn Home.

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Article - 1 Minute Read

Is It Safe to Take Aspirin During Pregnancy?

July 4, 2016

Doctors recommend pregnant women avoid taking aspirin, though small doses are usually not problematic. Learn more about aspirin risk for pregnant women. Read More

Medically Reviewed by UPMC Magee-Womens
Categorized as: Pregnancy and Childbirth, Women's Health
Tagged with: aspirin, aspirin alternatives, aspirin and pregnancy, pregnancy
Article - 4 Minute Read

The First 24 Hours: 5 Things to Expect After Giving Birth

June 30, 2016

What can you expect in the hospital right after your baby arrives? Navigate the first 24 hours after child birth with our guide for new moms. Read More

Medically Reviewed by UPMC Magee-Womens
Categorized as: Pregnancy and Childbirth
Tagged with: after delivery, child birth, delivery, labor, postpartum, pregnancy
Gallery

Dads and Breastfeeding: How You Can Support Nursing Moms

June 15, 2016

New dads can learn how they can support the breastfeeding process, and get their new baby off to a good start in life. Learn More

Categorized as: Pregnancy and Childbirth, Women's Health
Tagged with: breastfeeding, dads, newborn babies, parenting
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Gallery

What New Moms Need to Know About Breastfeeding

April 28, 2016

Learn the basics of breastfeeding with our complete breastfeeding guide for new moms. Learn More

Categorized as: Pregnancy and Childbirth, Women's Health
Tagged with: breastfeeding, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, new moms, newborn baby
Gallery

How Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs Can Harm Your Baby

March 23, 2016

Your unborn baby receives much of what you eat, drink, and breathe. Learn how unhealthy habits—like smoking, drinking, and doing drugs—can harm your baby. Learn More

Categorized as: Pregnancy and Childbirth, Women's Health
Tagged with: caffeine, illegal substance use, pregnancy, smoking, smoking and pregnancy
Article - 2 Minute Read

When Should I Seek Out a Fertility Specialist?

February 8, 2016

You want to get pregnant, but it's not happening as soon as you hoped. If you've been trying for 12 months, you may need to talk to a fertility specialist. Read More

Medically Reviewed by UPMC Magee-Womens
Categorized as: Pregnancy and Childbirth
Tagged with: endometriosis, female infertility, fertility, Fibroids, in vitro fertilization, Infertility, male infertility, ovulation induction
Gallery

Zika Virus: What You Need to Know

February 2, 2016

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness linked to brain deformities and birth defects. Learn more about risk factors and what you can do to prevent Zika. Learn More

Categorized as: Family Health, Pediatrics, Pregnancy and Childbirth
Tagged with: CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dengue, fever, Harold Wiesenfeld MD, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, mosquito bite, pregnancy, travel advisory, Yellow Fever, zika, zika virus
Article - 1 Minute Read

Are Cervical and Ovarian Cancer Treatable?

January 27, 2016

Women with cervical or ovarian cancer have many treatment options. Learn more about UPMC's approach to creating a customized treatment plan. Read More

Medically Reviewed by UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Categorized as: Cancer Care, Gynecologic Cancer, Pregnancy and Childbirth, Women's Health
Tagged with: cancer, cancer risks, cervical cancer, disease, ovarian and cervical cancers, ovarian cancer, pap smear, radiation
Article - 2 Minute Read

Understanding Pregnancy Weight Gain and What’s Too Much

January 26, 2016

Find out more about recommendations for pregnancy weight gain and why the number on the scale matters. And when to lighten up about it. Read More

Medically Reviewed by UPMC Magee-Womens
Categorized as: Pregnancy and Childbirth
Tagged with: gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, nausea, pre-eclampsia, pre-term birth, pregnancy