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Educational Material on Pregnancy Stages

You have decided to start trying to expand your family, or you have already succeeded and are expecting your little one. If you already visited a doctor, he probably gave you an estimated due date that may seem far away. However, throughout 40 weeks of pregnancy, your body -- and your baby -- will experience countless changes. These changes will be more exciting and less frightening if you educate yourself and know what to expect during each stage of pregnancy.

  1. What to Expect

    • "What to Expect When You're Expecting," by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel, includes preconception information such as diet and fertility tips. Once you get that positive pregnancy test, the book takes you through each month of pregnancy, week by week. It contains information about how the body changes during each month of pregnancy as well as your baby's weekly development. You will find tips for safe pregnancy exercises, along with information on what to expect during doctor visits, possible complications, carrying multiples (like twins), labor and delivery and the post-partum period. You can register for the What to Expect website (whattoexpect.com), which will give you access to daily email newsletters throughout your pregnancy.

    BabyCenter

    • BabyCenter (babycenter.com) provides information about each week of pregnancy. You can also find articles about health and safety during your pregnancy, as well as tips and advice from medical experts and other mothers who have "been there, done that." The website provides advice on potential complications and common pregnancy symptoms. In addition, it features 3D videos that allow you to see what is happening to the baby during each stage of pregnancy. If you're unsure of what you'll name the child, BabyCenter also has lists of names you can browse through.

    FertilityFriend.com

    • FertilityFriend.com (preg.fertilityfriend.com) is a resource for women trying to conceive as well as for those already pregnant. It offers an online chart for tracking basal body temperatures and fertility signs. After a positive pregnancy test is recorded, you will have access to the site's pregnancy page, which gives weekly updates on your baby's progress and the changes your body will experience. The site provides a pregnancy calendar and an online pregnancy journal to track your symptoms and experiences. Personalized appointment charts give you the option of recording your appointments and writing down questions you need to ask your doctor. The site also lets you interact with other moms-to-be in the same stage of pregnancy through message boards and public forums.

    Pregnancy.org

    • Pregnancy.org gives you access to articles and information about each trimester of your pregnancy. Find tips about what is safe, what is not, what types of exercise you can do, and what your diet should be like. Browse questions asked by other moms-to-be, or ask one of your own. Pregnancy.org features a panel of experts who can help banish your confusion or calm your fears. Experts offer relationship and legal advice in addition to help specifically for fathers. In addition, the site features a pregnancy calendar and information about fetal development.

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