Prenatal and Fetal Development - How you and your baby grow during pregnancy

Pregnancy Overviews:

The amount of growth both physically and emotionally in pregnancy is vast and rapid. There are many ways to watch a pregnancy proceed. Some prefer to look at pregnancy from the standpoint of the three trimesters, while others enjoy a pregnancy week by week format. For those that want a middle ground, there is also a monthly view of pregnancy. Each has the basics to more in depth coverage of both fetal development and how the changes occur in the mother's body.

• Pregnancy Calendar: Week by Week
• Your Pregnancy in Pictures
• Your Pregnant Body: Month by Month
• Your Pregnancy: Three Trimesters
• Due Date Communities

Fetal Development:

Leg Cramps in Pregnancy

Cramps in your muscles are common during pregnancy. They may be caused by the weight you are carrying, circulation changes, or calcium deficiency.

Suggestions:

• Regular exercise
• Adequate calcium intake
• When the cramp begins, bring your toes towards you, and massage the muscle

Back Pain When Pregnancy

Back pain and pregnancy just seem to go together! When you see a pregnant woman you see her rubbing her belly and holding her back. Why is it that the majority of pregnant women will have back ache as a nearly daily complaint? And, more importantly, what can you do about it?

Why Your Back Hurts

When you are pregnant your body produces a variety of hormones. One of these hormones is called Relaxin. Sounds like something really soothing and helpful, which it is, for birth. Relaxin causes the ligaments and the pelvis to soften to allow the baby out through the pelvis. This is also why pregnant women "waddle."

In addition the pelvis relaxing for the upcoming event of birth, your uterus is growing and this does two things:

How You Had These 5 Strange Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy is an odd thing to live through. Though most women expect certain symptoms to come with pregnancy. Nausea, vomiting, even backache are expected by most moms-to-be. Here is a list of five pregnancy symptoms you may not have even thought about!

1. Nose Bleeds & Nasal Stuffiness
   Your nose is so far away from your uterus, how could it be involved? But nose bleeds and stuffiness can be very common. Treat the symptoms with natural remedies like a humidifier or snorting salt water. If that doesn't help, talk to your doctor or midwife for other options.