The first few years of life are filled with constant discoveries and learning experiences, giving us much of what we will use for the rest of our lives.

Of course, one of the goals in pregnancy is to avoid or lessen in utero exposure to drugs. Maternal asthma is a tough condition to control while minimizing medicines.

So much research over the past 50 years has been focused on the dangers of smoking to the smoker. Their children are stakeholders in this addiction and are paying a price too.

Most expecting moms are willing to do almost anything to ensure delivering a healthy baby. What if environmental factors are fighting against her desire?

When a new baby has to be admitted the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), it is a frightening time for parents. Healthcare providers are committed to advances to support these babies during their tender start in life.

Breastfeeding for the first six months of life is recommended by the National Institutes of Health and most doctors. Babies who are breastfed gain vital immunities, are less likely to become obese, and are protected against common childhood illnesses and infections.

What can be done prior to conception  to decrease the risk of of your child developing asthma? Mothers-to-be should get on an exercise and nutritional program.

Data keeps rolling in about the dangers to an unborn baby if the mother smokes. A recent study suggests that brain damage and developmental problems are more likely for the babies of smoking mothers.

Children are often at the mercy of their parents' lifestyle habits. Parents who eat at fast food joints and cafeterias with high calorie, high fat foods can often be seen with less than healthy looking children.

The dangers to the unborn child from prenatal smoking exposure are even greater than originally thought.These children start their life with a great health disadvantage.