If there's a time in your life that you're anxious for information, it's during a pregnancy. You want to learn any and everything you can about each trimester, each tiny kick, and each backache.

While you should always ask your doctor these important questions, you can also find helpful information on the Internet.

Let's begin at the Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond Resource Center, where you can find information about drugs in pregnancy, home births, and general pregnancy information. Read articles on Cesarean births, infertility, and premature infants.

Another excellent source for information on pregnancy is the Online Birth Center. Categories include High Risk Situations and Complications, Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Newsgroups and Mailing Lists that offer support. If you're experiencing morning sickness (bless your heart), did you know that eating plain or bland cold foods will help? So will letting someone else prepare your meals, which sounds like a better idea to me.

One of the main areas of BabyCenter is their Pregnancy section, where you can pick a week and get information specifically for that stage of your pregnancy. You can access a Pregnancy Exercise Guide, or join in on discussions at their bulletin boards. Read columns from experts, such as "Can stressful feelings harm my unborn baby?" At the interactive Pregnancy Calendar, simply enter your due date, and the website will generate information on how your baby is growing and changing, advice on common pregnancy complaints, and messages to keep you inspired.

Want to know if you're having a boy or a girl? Well, rush on over to Childbirth.org and complete an online questionnaire. Viola! You'll know the sex of your baby! Or, you can visit their chatroom, or access categories such as Birth Plans, Episiotomy, or Pregnancy. Learn about why your emotions are so haywire, or how to start planning for labor now.

At the BabyZone, click on Fun Stuff and Baby Names to access a Baby Name Wizard. Type in a name, and the wizard will tell you its meaning, its origination, and how popular it is. Or, click on 1998 Cool Baby Name List to get some ideas on what to name your baby. The site also offers information on nutrition during pregnancy, childbirth choices, shopping ideas, and stages of pregnancy.

We'll close with Pregnancy Today, an online journal and community for expectant parents. The site offers over 300 answers to your pregnancy questions, a due date calendar, and even a pregnancy horoscope!

Robin Nobles is a freelance writer who can be reached at robinnobles@robinsnest.com.

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