Being pregnant is a wonderful time, full of anticipation and excitement for the arrival of a baby. Parents want to be sure they are doing the right things to keep their baby healthy before, during, and after birth.

Finding the right clinician to provide reassurance and support during your prenatal care and through labor, birth and beyond can make a big difference. At Atrius Health, we understand how important finding the right care is for every patient,

Dr. Lilja Stefansson, OB/GYN at Atrius Health, answers sensitive questions with straightforward answers.

Dear Dr. Stefansson, I am trying to get pregnant, and my doctor told me to start a prenatal vitamin. I went to the pharmacy to purchase a bottle, but I ended up so overwhelmed that I left without buying anything! Please help! – PuzzledByPrenatals

Hi PuzzledByPrenatals, you are not alone!

One of the myths that I hear the most from my patients is that fish is not a good food to eat during pregnancy, which cannot be further from the truth.

Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is essential for brain development during pregnancy and early childhood. Fish also contains protein and many other vitamins and minerals such as vitamins D and B2 (riboflavin), calcium,

For many people, the experience of having a baby is a wonderfully happy time. To prepare, soon-to-be moms read books and mommy blogs about what to expect and how to manage their new arrival. Many women are excited about their role as a new mom and want to try to be the “perfect” parent.

One thing that a lot of women are not prepared for is the mood fluctuations that can be experienced after giving birth.

Many women can spend up to two decades of their life trying not to get pregnant. When the time comes that they decide that they do want to have a baby, it can come as a shock that pregnancy may not happen as easily as they thought it would. Conceiving a baby is typically not as simple as just discontinuing your birth control and then getting pregnant the next month. It can take time for your body to regulate once you stop birth control pills.