Pregnancy is one of the most exciting, and perhaps one of the scariest times in a woman's life. Knowing that a new little person is growing inside of you is exhilarating, yet you are constantly being told what you should and should not do while pregnant. Debates rage about breastfeeding versus formula feeding, what is the right pregnancy diet, and whether or not you will have a boy or a girl based on how you are carrying the baby. But all things considered, most women who are pregnant have one goal, and that is to have a safe birth of their baby. Some women fear having a miscarriage while they are pregnant. Around twenty percent of all pregnancies will end in a miscarriage. The actual number of miscarriages is probably higher, however, because many women miscarry before they even know they are pregnant. When this occurs, they just thing they are having a heavy period. Miscarriage occurs most often in the first trimester, but any pregnancy that is lost before the twentieth week is considered a miscarriage. Women who have miscarried can usually successfully carry a baby to term later on. It is important for women not to let a miscarriage or stillbirth discourage them from trying to have a baby again. Another situation, which is called recurring miscarriage, refers to women who endure three or more consecutive miscarriages. These situations require medical help before a woman can have a successful birth, but this is a rare problem to have. Most women know they are pregnant because of their pregnancy symptoms. One of the first pregnancy symptoms is having painful, swollen breasts. This can be misleading, however, because it can also be a symptom of menstruation. Soon the pregnant woman will miss her period. Then she may become nauseous from morning sickness, bloated, and start retaining water. By the time a period is two weeks late, most women will take a home pregnancy test to determine whether or not they are pregnant. With these pregnancy symptoms, it is likely that the woman has successfully conceived. If you are pregnant, one of the most important decisions you can make is how you are going to feed your baby. The natural way to feed your baby is by breastfeeding. Some women choose to feed their babies with baby formula instead. What you need to know is that breastfeeding for at least the first six weeks of your baby's life will provide you baby with important nutrients and antibodies that cannot be found in artificially-made baby food. That being said, some women have difficulty breastfeeding, or can't breastfeed because they must work. Many women take maternity leave, although others opt to return to work soon after the birth. In these situations, baby formula is a good alternative. Babies should never be fed straight cow's milk in their first year of life. While you are pregnant it is important to pay attention to your pregnancy diet. Women who are pregnant should follow a pregnancy diet, which involves drinking plenty of water, eating health, natural foods, and avoiding artificial sweeteners. Other foods you should avoid are those high in mercury, such as canned tuna, raw meat, soft cheeses, and deli meat. Other foods, as long as they do not make you sick, are fine while you are pregnant. Although every woman gains weight during pregnancy, it's important not to gorge on fatty or sugary foods. A healthy pregnancy diet is important for you and your baby. Some women choose to have a natural childbirth, one without any pain medications. Others choose to have an epidural, which is an anaesthesia given by catheter into the spine. You can choose to have a hospital birth or a home birth with a midwife - the choice is up to you. However, if complications arise, or if you need an emergency caesarean section, you will need to have medical intervention. After the birth of your baby, you need to realize that many women suffer from symptoms of post partum depression. This is a depression brought on by the hormonal changes in your body after the birth of your baby. Post partum depression is normal and is treated medically. Women experiencing post partum depression need to seek the help of their doctors as soon as possible, so they can enjoy the early days of being a mom. Symptoms of post partum depression include a lack of connection with the baby, desire to harm yourself or your baby, loss of interest in life, loss of appetite, and extreme anxiety attacks.