Though it may be referred to as the pregnancy line, its more technical label is linea nigra. Around three quarters of pregnant women will manifest a linea nigra, which is a brownish stripe that runs vertically down the stomach. There exact cause of this mark has not been ascertained, and it will typically manifest around the fifth month mark, though it can develop later.

Four-month-old babies may using crying to demonstrate when they need something. They are able to recognize signs of hunger, discomfort, such as bored or wet diapers, or when they are sleepy.

If your baby is spending a lot of the day lying, with his or her head flat against a hard surface, they may develop “flat head syndrome”. To avoid this, carry your baby on your body during the day, reposition him or her while sleeping, and be sure to follow the recommended amount of daily tummy time.

Getting enough iron prevents anemia, which is linked to preterm birth and low-birth weight babies.

Amniocentesis usually takes place at between 15 weeks and 18 weeks of pregnancy. Your doctor will use a long, fine needle to carefully remove a sample of amniotic fluid from your uterus. This fluid will contain your baby's cells, which are then analysed.

For a man, excessive alcohol consumption (two to four drinks per day for over two months) can diminish fertility and for a woman, even moderate drinking can make it harder to get pregnant.