Pregnant women have been getting the memo about not abusing alcohol. But higher drug abuse rates among moms-to-be suggest there is still a need for education and support.

A tuna salad sandwich can be a healthy and tasty meal. But tuna and other fish can contain small amounts of mercury. Can these amounts increase a pregnant woman's risk of having a child with autism?

Giving a child the best shot at a healthy life starts with a healthy pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy may do more than just physical harm to the baby — behavioral problems may surface years later in the child.

It's well understood that women should not smoke while pregnant. Yet some women find it difficult to quit. Knowing some of the long-term effects may offer an extra motivational boost.

It is already known that drinking during pregnancy can affect the growing baby's brain and development. But different amounts of alcohol drunk at different times in a pregnancy may have different effects.

Most people associate health problems from smoking with the lungs. But smoking is linked to other health issues as well, like hearing loss — even for babies exposed in the womb.

With all the changes happening to a woman's body during pregnancy, a glass of wine may seem enticing. The debate continues about whether a small amount of alcohol will hurt the baby.

One decision pregnant women must make is how much to test for possible disorders in their baby. More tests with fewer risks are becoming available for conditions like Down syndrome.

Bringing home a new baby is stressful on its own. But throw in the anxiety of an abusive relationship and depression may follow.

The substances a mother puts in her body during pregnancy nearly always reach her developing baby. The long-term effects of illegal drugs can often present problems for these children.