Pregnancy is a big change for not just the person who is pregnant, but also for their partner and the whole relationship. A lot of people have questions and concerns about being intimate and having sex during this time. So, is it okay to have sex while pregnant? For most people with healthy pregnancies, the answer is yes. Sex during...
Can I Eat Shrimp While Pregnant?
Yes, you can eat cooked shrimp when you are pregnant. Even though some seafoods are not safe during pregnancy because of high mercury or a risk of food poisoning, shrimp is not one of them. As long as it is fully cooked and eaten in reasonable amounts, shrimp can be a good part of your pregnancy diet. It provides important...
Week 4-9: You May Notice Early Pregnancy Symptoms at Four Weeks
It’s possible to start noticing some early signs of pregnancy at four weeks, though many women don’t experience any symptoms this soon. The hormonal changes happening in your body now can sometimes bring on noticeable changes. By week four, your body is starting a series of important changes as the tiny embryo (formerly called a blastocyst) implants in your uterus...
Week 13-16: You May Start to Feel Your Baby Move for the First Time
Welcome to the second trimester! For many people expecting a baby, weeks 13 to 16 are special because this is often when you first notice your baby moving. Even though your baby has been moving inside your womb for a while, these weeks are when you might finally feel those tiny twists and turns yourself. This first sensation, called quickening,...
Can I Eat Pepperoni While Pregnant?
Pregnancy often brings a mix of happiness and questions about what you can safely eat. Pepperoni is a popular craving, but is it okay to have while you’re expecting? The quick answer: yes, you can, but only if it is thoroughly cooked. Eating cold or raw pepperoni is not safe because it may contain harmful bacteria or parasites. However, once...
What Are Baby Leaps, and How Do They Affect Your Little One?
Baby leaps, sometimes called the Wonder Weeks, are special times of quick brain development that happen during a child’s first 20 months. If you think of your baby’s brain as a computer, these leaps are like major software updates. At each leap, your child suddenly learns new ways to understand and interact with the world. This period can be exciting,...
Can I Eat Sushi While Pregnant?
The short answer is yes, you can eat sushi during pregnancy, but there are some important guidelines to follow. It isn’t a strict “no,” as many believe, but rather a “yes-if it’s cooked, made with low-mercury seafood, and ordered from a reliable place.” This means you need to avoid raw fish, especially high-mercury types, but there are still many safe...
Can Babies Eat Chocolate?
Chocolate is a popular treat loved by many, but parents often wonder if it’s okay for babies to have chocolate too. Although a baby can technically try a small taste of chocolate as soon as they start eating solids (usually around 6 months), doctors generally suggest waiting longer before making chocolate a regular part of a child’s diet. Introducing solids...
Week 1-4: Your Baby’s Sex is Already Decided
It might come as a surprise, but your baby’s sex is determined right when conception takes place. Even though you won’t know the answer for months, whether you’re having a boy or a girl is decided from the moment the egg and sperm join. All the genetic material needed, including the information that sets your baby’s sex, is in that...
Weeks 32-36: What Happens as Your Baby Turns Head Down?
During weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy, your baby usually rotates so that their head points down, getting ready for birth. This important stage is called the cephalic or vertex presentation. It is the natural way for your baby to prepare, aiming for the best position to be born. Most babies move into this head-down spot by week 32, but...