Having a baby is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience. While there's no way to predict what will happen once labor begins, there are a few things you can do to help you feel more prepared physically, mentally, and financially.

To help you conclude whether or not a birthing class is something you might benefit from, we've rounded up some information on childbirth education courses and how they can help you prepare for delivery day.

You've just found out you're pregnant and congratulations are in order. This is a very joyous moment for you and your family. After the initial excitement and jumping for joy, your first question may be "when if my baby due?"

We've come a long way since the first recorded pregnancy tests were conducted by the ancient Egyptians. Although we still rely on some of the same materials as they did in 1350 BCE, namely urine samples, our technological advancements have increased the speed and accuracy with which we obtain pregnancy test results. Today we have the ease of home pregnancy test - hand-held technology designed to detect a special pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), sooner than ever before.

Gestational diabetes is a condition that happens in pregnant women who did not have diabetes before their pregnancy. It causes high blood sugar levels that can be harmful to you and your baby. Gestational diabetes usually appears during the second or third trimester)

Pregnancy causes significant changes in your body over time, but in the early stages, those changes may be slight to nonexistent. With many women experiencing inconsistent cycles due to stress, medications, PCOS, or other underlying health problems, the first thought doesn’t always land on “I’m pregnant!” So what are some of the early signs of pregnancy? When should you take a test? And when should you consult a doctor? 

Women begin to notice the physical and emotional effects that pregnancy has on them within the first trimester and continue to experience both subtle and significant changes as the pregnancy progresses.

For many women, having cramps at any point during pregnancy is worrisome. But in most cases, it’s normal to feel cramps during all three trimesters. It’s a good idea to know why cramping during pregnancy happens and how to tell the difference between what’s normal and when to call your doctor. 

If you’re expecting again after experiencing a pregnancy loss, these emotions can range from excitement all the way down to grief and guilt. Just know that you are not alone regarding these mixed emotions about welcoming a rainbow baby into the world.

At the start of your third trimester, your baby will be around 2 - 2 ½ pounds, doubling that by your eighth month. Rapid growth can affect your body and also affect your comfort. You’ll feel new physical and emotional challenges, but you’re ready for them. 

Hunger pangs are an uncomfortable feeling you'll have when your abdomen is empty. Your hunger pangs are a natural reaction to having an empty stomach and are the accompanying desire to eat.