The arrival of a new baby is always a cause for joy and celebration, but what if the delivery happens too soon? Certain factors may increase a woman’s risk, but the reality is that many who have a preterm baby can’t pinpoint an exact cause. However, there are some ways to reduce the possibility of a preterm birth. Read on for tips that may help.

Dial the doctor. Don’t delay in getting to the OB. The minute you think you could be pregnant, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Checking in regularly with your doctor will allow her to monitor your health and that of your new baby.

Drink right. This means sticking to low-fat milk, 100% juice, and water. You’ll definitely need to pass on the Pinot and, it goes without saying, ditch the cigarettes, too. Alcohol and other drugs may cause birth defects and increase the chance of a preterm birth, while smoking can impact the flow of oxygen to your new baby, which can slow weight gain and development.

Watch your weight. Being overweight or obese can up your risk of a preterm birth, so speak with your doctor about a smart eating and exercise plan for the duration of your pregnancy.

Fight germs. Yup, washing your hands matters when you’re pregnant, so hit the sink and use soap before meals and after visiting the bathroom. Additionally, try to avoid people who are obviously sick so that you stay healthy yourself.

Be Zen. Experiencing excessive stress when pregnant (whether it’s at home or in the office) can raise your blood pressure, which in turn may increase your risk of a preterm birth. Make an effort to scale back on work projects, household chores, and other commitments that may add to your stress level. Treat yourself well: catch a nap when you can, put your feet up with a good book, and exercise regularly.

Despite every effort, some moms-to-be still end up having a preterm birth. Because it can occur in women without any clear risk factors, don’t feel bad if your baby arrives too soon. Your doctor and the hospital staff will work with you to ensure your preemie is as healthy as she can possibly be.

It’s a fact of babyhood: All infants cry as a means of communication. And while your baby’s crying can be a little scary for a new mom, try to remember that for the most part, tears and screeches are expected and completely normal. However, a preemie may fuss a bit longer and more often than a full-term baby, so calming her down can be a delicate process. Try the following baby soothers with your preterm baby.

Hold her close: Your preemie will benefit greatly from “kangaroo care,” or being held skin-to-skin. Lying closely with mom (or dad!) helps your little one stay warm, cry less, stabilize her heartbeat, increase her weight, and improve her ability to breast- or bottle-feed. Find a private spot with a comfy chair and position your preemie so that she can lie underneath your clothing, directly on your chest. Your baby doesn’t need to wear anything expect a diaper because your body heat will keep her warm.

The right light: Your preterm baby has likely spent some time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before coming home. Some new babies become accustomed to this bright, busy place and may be easily soothed in a home environment that includes background noise or music. On the other hand, other preemies are more sensitive to the light and loud sounds they experienced in the NICU, so watch your little one’s cues to determine if you should dim the lights in her bedroom and keep her surroundings on the quiet side.

Relaxation is key: Most babies love to be swaddled because it reminds them of the calm, cozy feeling they enjoyed in the womb. A preemie will also benefit from the warmth and closeness of swaddling, so wrap yours snugly in a soft blanket when she starts to fuss. You can also ask your doctor about giving your preemie a pacifier, as many babies find non-nutritive sucking relaxing.

It takes time to get to know your baby, so don’t panic if the soothing technique you’re trying doesn’t seem to work right away. You’ll soon learn how much crying is normal for your preemie, and remember: You can always make a quick call to the pediatrician for advice and reassurance if you’re concerned about your baby’s crying.

The benefits of baby massage are well known: Babies are more relaxed, sleep better, cry less, and may even be healthier if they get a routine rubdown. And because a baby knows the scent of her mom (and her breast milk) and can recognize other calming smells she’s encountered before, adding soothing aromas to your new baby’s massage routine is a smart idea. But certain scents may not be appropriate for your new baby. To be safe, follow these tips.

Safety’s first: Speak with your doctor before using any kind of scent during your baby’s massage. She may not recommend a scented baby massage oil for infants less than 3 months of age, as sensitive skin may be a factor. Never allow your baby to ingest essential oils and be very careful not to apply it near the eyes or mouth; you’ll also want to avoid massaging your new baby’s hands as she will likely try to suck her fingers or rub her eyes during or after the massage.

Shop around: There are many specially-made scented baby massage products on the market, so take a look (and a whiff!) to determine which ones might be appealing. Lavender is a popular, calming scent, as is chamomile, apricot, and vanilla. If you want to use an essential oil, speak with your baby’s doctor about a formula to dilute it.

Make it routine: As you may know, babies are creatures of habit and tend to thrive on a regular routine. Schedule your baby massage at about the same time each day (after bath time and just before bed is ideal). Use the same scent each time, too. Your new baby will be relaxed not only by the familiar smell, but also by the fact that she can count on this special treat.

Your own aroma: The most soothing scent you can provide during a baby massage comes from your own body. Here’s your chance to skip a shower -- your baby prefers your natural scent!

Take advantage of your new baby’s smart and sensitive nose. Adding soothing scents to her baby massage will increase her pleasure and add to an already relaxing experience.

When you were pregnant, your baby-to-be’s weekly growth was adorably equated to food (she’s the size of a pea, an avocado, even a turnip!) But after her birth, learning how your new baby grows and changes isn’t so easily converted to, um, salad. Here are some of the highlights of your baby’s development during the first year.

Early weight loss: Most full term infants weigh in between six and nine pounds, but don’t be surprised if your new baby drops several ounces in the first week after you are discharged from the hospital. It’s a normal baby development stage, as nearly all babies lose some weight during this time frame (about 5 to 10 percent of their total weight); but most are back to their birth size by the time they hit the 10 day mark.

Strong bones: Your new baby’s skull bones are not fully fused at birth, which allows her head to mold to the shape of the birth canal as she emerges. The gaps, or fontanelles, between these bones will close and harden over time (the back fontanelle will close at 1 to 2 months of age and the one on the top of the head between 7 to 19 months).

Going bald? Nope, this is unlikely, but your baby will lose some or all of her hair for a little while. During the first six months of your new baby’s life, her hair falls out before her big-girl locks grow in, so don’t be alarmed if you see wispy tufts on her bed sheets -- it’s a very normal part of your baby’s development.

Weight (and length) gains! Of course your infant is one of a kind, but in general, she’ll grow and get chubby at about the same rate as other babies. You can expect to see your tot gain half to one inch a month and add about five to seven ounces a week. Babies tend to double their birth weight by about 5 months and triple it by 12 months. In the second half of the first year, your new baby’s growth will slow to about 3/8 of an inch every month and three to five ounces per week.

Measuring your baby’s growth and watching her body develop is exciting during the first year. Consider taking a picture of her every month so you can marvel at the transformation and share this timeline with family and friends.

The old “eating for two” phrase doesn’t mean piling twice as much food onto your plate. In reality, it should probably mean eating twice as well. Getting the most nutrition you can out of every bite you take is smart when you’re having a baby. But what exactly is best to chow down on when you’re expecting? Read on to find out.  

Pregnancy diet tip #1: The miraculous oval. Yup, we’re talking about eggs, which are packed with protein, vitamins A and E, as well as choline, a nutrient that aids your baby’s brain development. These nutritional powerhouses are super easy to prepare and make a very fast meal. Try them scrambled, with cheese in a sandwich, or on top of lightly fried-rice in your pregnancy diet.

Pregnancy diet tip #2: Dairy delights. Calcium is a must for your developing baby’s bones. Low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt are delicious ways to obtain this important mineral. Try to drink milk a couple of times a day, and include a serving of yogurt or cheese daily. Just be sure any cheese you consume during pregnancy is made from pasteurized milk.

Pregnancy diet tip #3: Nuts for nuts. Portable and non-perishable, nuts and nut butters are perfect on-the-go snacks and excellent sources of protein and healthy fat, which can aid in your baby’s development. Almonds, peanuts, and walnuts are all good picks, as are the butters made from these nuts.

Pregnancy diet tip #4: Fabulous fruits. Whether fresh, frozen, or canned, fruit is high in vitamins and fiber, which are key in every pregnancy diet as they can help ease a case of constipation. When considering canned fruit, read labels carefully. Fruit that’s packed in water, rather than sugary syrup, is the better pick.

Pregnancy diet tip #5: Iron mom! Iron is a vital mineral that helps to create your baby’s blood supply, and it can also combat anemia during pregnancy. Stock up on lean meats, fortified cereals, and spinach in your pregnancy diet. Frozen spinach is especially affordable and easy to prepare (try mixing it into casseroles or pasta sauce).

If you’re pregnant,your baby’s development is probably on your mind often, so know that improving your diet is an easy way to enhance your baby’s health. Shop carefully, eat whole foods, and try to avoid processed items whenever you can. And don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor if you have any questions about which foods to include in -- or leave out of -- your pregnancy diet.