Happy and Healthy Pregnancy

A new section of each course starts monthly. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when lessons are released. You will have access to all lessons until the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such, we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

The final exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the final exam has been released, you will have two weeks to complete all of your course work, including the final exam.

Lesson 1

Pregnant! Now What?

You're pregnant! In this first lesson, you'll examine the basics of pregnancy. You'll discover that a happy and healthy pregnancy involves preparing for physical, emotional, and even social changes. The lesson will teach you the basics of a prenatal appointment and what to expect with your first doctor's visit. You'll also learn about common fears and worries that pregnant women experience—and how to address them. Even if you're well into your pregnancy, this lesson will help you appreciate the amazing work your body is doing during these nine months!

Eating for Two and Exercise

This lesson is all about diet, nutrition, and exercise. You'll go over basic recommendations for what you should and shouldn't eat while you're pregnant, as well as some positive changes you can make for your and your baby's nutritional benefit. You'll also learn about important (and simple!) exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine.

Emotions in Motion

Already feeling some pregnancy highs or lows? You're not alone! This lesson will discuss the changing emotions associated with pregnancy. You'll learn about the physical causes of these emotional shifts, as well as some of the common feelings and experiences of mothers-to-be. What's most important about your emotional state during pregnancy is that you know what's within the range of normalcy.

Communication

In this lesson, you'll examine the basics of effective communication. Pregnancy comes with many changes to your life, so it's a great time to strengthen your communication skills. Learning to be a strong communicator will help you advocate for your needs, express your feelings, and be confident in discussing your choices for you and your baby. You'll review some ways to practice effective communication with your partner and other important people in your life, and you'll even learn how to communicate with your baby!

Understanding the Changes Your Body Is Going Through

You're probably beginning to wonder by now whether some of the physical changes you've been noticing are normal. In all likelihood, yes! Your body will go through a major transformation during pregnancy, and this lesson will discuss some of the most common physical changes you can expect, as well as some less common changes. You'll learn what to look out for that might be cause for concern, and the lesson will also discuss some discomforts you might be feeling and how you can remedy them. Finally, you'll take a look at a few trimester markers for you and your baby!

Sleep, Sex, and Other Things You Miss

In this lesson, you'll look at some of the major lifestyle changes that can occur during pregnancy, including how and when you sleep and adjustments to your sex life. The lesson will also discuss some mental shifts you're likely to encounter, and you'll look at some ways that you can begin preparing for these changes now. Yes, your life will change in some less-than-desirable ways, but you'll find that you're more resilient than you think!

Social Trends and Pregnancy

This lesson is all about the social constructs surrounding pregnancy. You'll look at social dilemmas that you're likely to face and social trends affecting your pregnancy and birth. The lesson will also discuss ways that you can create and develop social support throughout your pregnancy.

Practical Considerations of Pregnancy: Birth Options

Have you been thinking about your birth options? You've probably heard that you can give birth in a hospital, a birth center, or even at home. This lesson will explain those options and describe the key differences between them. It will also talk about the types of childbirth preparation classes that you can take, and you'll learn about doulas and their role in the birth process. You have a lot of choices when it comes to the delivery of your baby, and you'll take a close look at them in this lesson!

Financial Planning for Baby

Budgeting is particularly important when you're expecting a new baby. You'll review some important planning you might want to consider before your baby arrives and look at how your finances are likely to change and how you can prepare for these changes. The lesson will also discuss planning for work and childcare.

Birth Basics

Fear of delivery is common for pregnant women. This lesson will give you the basics about birthing, so you can walk into the labor room armed with knowledge. You'll examine the three stages of childbirth and look closely at the phases within each stage. The lesson will also address some typical emotions and experiences women go through during each of these stages and talk about specifics associated with C-sections. By the end of this lesson, you'll know what you can expect to feel and experience as your body prepares to give birth.

Life With a Newborn

Think of this lesson as baby basics. You'll go over what you can expect a baby to look and act like in the first few weeks in the world. You'll learn about your baby's senses, reflexes, and patterns for sleeping, waking, and eating, and you'll also review some of the decisions new parents have to make about a baby's medical and personal care. You'll come out of this lesson with the tools you need to be ready for your newborn!

Taking Care of Mom

The final lesson will discuss how you can prepare for the first few days and weeks after giving birth. You'll learn some of the physical and emotional changes you can expect to experience and ways to cope with the adjustment to becoming a parent. You'll also review some of your options for preparing your home and family to welcome your new baby!