We have gathered the coolest East Coast baby names from New York. It is interesting to note how baby name trends differ in each region. How do the top names in New York stack up with the rest of the country?

Popular New York names

The current most popular names in the United States as a whole are Jacob and Sophia. Do these trends hold true in the state of New York?

The most popular boy baby names in New York are ranked as follows:

The most popular baby girl names in New York are ranked as follows:

Posh New York City baby names

Looking at New York City alone , there is a slight variation in the top baby names. The top baby name in the city is Jayden, with Jacob coming in second. Other boy names that are popular in NYC include:

The top girl name in New York City falls in line with the rest of the country, with Isabella nabbing the top spot. Other names that are tops in NYC include:

New Yorkers who live in the city tend to stick to more traditional names, with a few exceptions of Makayla and Chaya.

Hipster Brooklyn baby names

If you visit a schoolyard in one of the Brooklyn neighborhoods, such as Park Slope, you are bound to hear a hipster baby name, such as Pearl or Mozart.

Celebrity mom Michelle Williams lives in the area and named her daughter the Brooklyn-approved named of Matilda. Indie darling Maggie Gyllenhaal also has the perfect old-fashioned names that seem to be the trend in the area, with her two daughters named Ramona and Gloria Ray.

The following girl names are perfect for cool Brooklyn parents:

The following boy names are perfect for your hipster-in-training:

New York destination baby names

Destination names are the hottest new baby name trend, with celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Girls star Jemima Kirke getting in on the fun.

New York is full of great destination baby names, starting with the name Brooklyn. According to the Social Security Administration, Brooklyn is given more to girls than boys, however this name is perfect for both sexes.

There is also the name Apple— however Gwyneth Paltrow has nabbed that distinctive name for her daughter.

Here are more fun options:

More baby name ideas

Dude! California names to be stoked about
Whimsical baby names
Baby names your friends will want to steal

when to give up trying to conceive

After months and months of shelling out thousands of dollars, spending hour after hour in your RE’s waiting room, undergoing countless treatments — only to be right back where you started — how do you know when it’s time to give up?

Quit, give up, bail out, let go... whatever you call it, when facing infertility month after month, year after year, it becomes the $25,000 question: How do you know when it's time to quit?

Do you give up when you run out of money or just can't face another tortuous IVF cycle? Is it when your firstborn reaches a certain age, or when you do? Should you give yourself a timeline and how long should it be?

I believe if you are at the point when you are asking yourself this question, you have reached a very desperate place and maybe you should consider taking a break to explore your feelings deeper and give your body and mind a rest.

Coming to the decision to get off the infertility merry-go-round is an individual one and not only requires much discussion with your partner and support system, but also some true soul searching.

There is no magic number of years for trying, or IVF cycles, or losses. Each couple has their own pain threshold — what might be bearable for some will be too much for others. In other words, I don't think anyone really knows going in when it will be time to give up trying to conceive until they do.

Personally, I haven't reached that point yet but I believe if and when I ever do, it'll hit me like a ton of bricks and I'll just know in my heart that it's time to stop. Right now, however, the pain of stopping is way greater than the pain of continuing to try.

I belong to several infertility groups on Facebook and each of the women in these groups has become a source of tremendous comfort and support to me. Because the groups are international, there's always someone online to answer a question or commiserate with. I recently posted the question: How do you know when it's time to quit?

Here is what I heard: 

"When you can't take it anymore," says Patty M. "It equals the stress, the treatments, the costs, etc. and it varies for everyone. But this is all very hard and we can't forget to live life while we have it and not always wait for what we want our lives to be."

Others have set specific limits to determine when they will stop. "Hubby and I set an age when we'll stop," Catherine T. explains."Also, we are keeping our eye on the financials. If it reaches a certain point even before the age, we'll stop. We don't want to lose sight of life around us and forget all we do have to be thankful for."

Some couples are willing to try until they financially can't try anymore. "Financial! I don't care how emotionally drained I am, as long as I have money I will try!" says Stephanie R.

"When we have exhausted every option that is on our list... unless prior to that our hearts just can't take it, we shift or stop!" Lisa P. says.

When to stop trying to conceive is such a personal, emotional choice. "Our final decision was based on the emotional aspect," explains Renee H. "We had decided at the beginning that our last option would be IVF. If that didn't work, then we would be finished. We reached that point and it didn't work. For me, it was closure. I am at peace with it and am enjoying living without the stress and strain that infertility causes. We are planning on pursuing adoption at a later time."

Only you will know when enough is enough. If you decide you can’t or won't do this anymore, then embrace your decision and move forward with life and make it as rich and full as you can.

More about infertility

Holding on to hope during infertility
The infertile library
Infertility: With a little help from your friends

So, your busy schedule doesn't mesh with the childbirth classes your hospital offers. And other birthing classes offered in your community are eight weeks long — as if you have the time, right?

Making the time can make all the difference

Not taking a childbirth class can find you unprepared on labor day, which could be worse than giving up a couple hours or a weekend of your time. A condensed childbirth class may be perfect for you and your busy baby-to-be.

Does the thought of attending a six-, eight- or even 12-week childbirth class make you cringe? You're not alone. Long, weekly classes used to be the only option for expectant parents — lucky for you, that's not the case any longer.

Believe me, I get it. Sure, you can read a book or talk to your new mom friends — yet nothing replaces comprehensive childbirth education, even if it's in small doses. You don't want to show up on labor day without a clue about what the heck is going on with your body during labor and how to cope with contractions or anything else that may come up during such an unpredictable, life-changing time.

So, are childbirth classes a waste of time?>>

"Marathon" classes — typically held over one or two days during a weekend — are popular offerings at many hospitals. Pros of weekend classes include only needing to clear one or two days from your busy schedule and getting a lot of information at once. While condensed classes eliminate the after-work exhaustion many moms-to-be feel on weeknights, they usually include even longer stints sitting in a classroom than during the week, and all that information can lead to overload — you may have a harder time retaining what you learned. Birth educator Sharon Muza, CD, LCCE, FACCE says, "Condensed classes also do not offer students a chance to build community with other class members."

Maybe building community isn't as important as squeezing in some childbirth education in between business trips. Nearly 100 percent of the childbirth classes I teach are private — I bring everything to parents' homes. When you take a private class, it's held during a time that's convenient for you and your partner, and you don't even need to leave your house. Still too busy for childbirth classes?

There may be small, shorter session classes offered at a nearby maternity center/retail outlet or place of worship. Less people means more time to focus on learning without taking up a ton of time. If you're planning to birth at home or a birth center, these classes may be particularly helpful. "Rich discussions can take place about the information and options available amongst the different situations," says Muza.

Where should I give birth?>>

Online classes can supplement in-person learning at your local hospital or independent class. If you're extra busy you may be able to find a childbirth educator who teaches via video chat whether she lives nearby or not. I've taught couples who live hundreds of miles away from me. If you can find a couple hours to surf the web reading celebrity gossip you can make time for childbirth classes!

Bottom line? No matter where you decide to take a childbirth class — whether it lasts six weeks or six hours — what's important is that you educate yourself about the many options available to you during labor and birth so that you can make informed decisions when the big day arrives.

More about having a baby

Pick the perfect doula
Push for your baby
Secrets of the labor and delivery room

Jamie-Lynn Sigler

Guys with Kids star Jamie Lynn-Sigler is turning her onscreen character into reality as she and her fiance, Cutter Dykstra, are expecting their first child together.

“Jamie couldn't be happier. Cutter is the perfect guy for her,“ a source told Us Weekly. “Although they have only been together for a year, they both know that this is it for both of them. They are both on cloud nine as are their families and friends.“

No word yet how far along she is, however the 31-year-old former Entourage star doesn’t appear to be showing quite yet.

“Thank you to everyone for all the sweet messages. We are so excited to be able to share the news of this incredible blessing,” she tweeted.

Next up: Kim Kardashian shows off her baby bump in a tight black dress

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Kim Kardashian

Pregnant Kim Kardashian showed off her growing baby bump in a black tight dress paired with a striped blazer and heels as she ran errands in Los Angeles.

The reality star and her boyfriend, Kanye West, were recently spotted in Brazil together.

“I was blown away by how beautiful it is here. The views are unlike anything I’ve seen before. During the carnival the streets were literally filled with people. It was crazy and such an incredible experience!” she wrote on her blog.

Kardashian is expecting her first child in July.

Next up: Amber Rose brings her baby bump to the Grammys

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Amber Rose

A very pregnant Amber Rose accompanied her fiance, rapper Wiz Khalifa, to the Grammy Awards on February 10. She told MTV she had a hard time finding a dress to fit her growing bump.

“I tried on a million dresses and I’m all belly,” she said. “This is Donna Karan. I put it on and it fit like a glove. Tom Ford heels. I’m gonna be barefooted once I sit down.”

Rose is planning on having a water birth— and Wiz is going to be right by her side!

“We gonna have a midwife and a doula at the crib and she’s gonna be in a pool and it’s gonna be like a relaxing environment and when she’s ready she’s gonna tell me when to stick my hands down there and I’m gonna pull the baby out,” he said. “I’m excited, I’m ready. I mean I’m nervous too, but it’s a good nervous, it’s not like a confused nervous, like, ‘What do I do?’”

Next up: Cute couple Jenna Dewan-Tatum and Channing Tatum

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Jenna Dewan-Tatum

Pregnant actress Jenna Dewan-Tatum touches her baby bump as she arrives at Heathrow airport with her cute husband, Channing Tatum. This is the first child for the 32-year-old actress and her Magic Mike man.

“I think it's one of the sexiest things ever!“ Channing recently told E! News about his wife’s pregnancy.

“She never really ate sweets before, but she loves sweets now,“ he said of her pregnancy cravings. “She loves chocolate and that whole thing, but nothing really out of the ordinary, nothing like pickles and icing, nothing weird.“

“We don't know [if it's a boy or a girl],“ he continued. “We're going to be surprised. It's one of the only real surprises you're ever going to get that's legit!“

Next up: Pregnant Jessica Simpson dresses down

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Jessica Simpson

Pregnant Jessica Simpson kept it casual as she ran errands out in Los Angeles in sweats, a black tank top and a black jacket.

Simpson, who has an 8-month-old daughter named Maxwell with her fiance, is expecting her second child — and it is rumored to be a boy!

“It’s Jessica’s dream come true, she prayed she was having a boy,” a source told Radar Online. “What with everything going on in her personal life, and her problems with her father, this has given her something to smile about. She found out this week after a check-up at the doctor, who asked her if she wanted to know the sex of the baby.“

“Jessica immediately said yes and when the doctor told her it was a boy she screamed with joy,“ the source continues. “She was so happy that Maxwell is getting a little brother because that’s something she always wanted when she was growing up.“

From Kate Middleton to Evan Rachel Wood, check out more pregnant celebrities here>>

Photo of Jessica Simpson: Celebrity Baby Scoop - Celebrity Mom and Baby News

All other photos WENN

Nature-inspired baby names

If you’re seeking a Native American baby name for your boy or girl, look no further — we’ve collected some of the strongest and most lovely names for your little one. You might find a hidden gem among these names that you hadn't thought of before.

Native Americans, or the indigenous peoples of the Americas, are comprised of many tribes and speak many different languages. Naming practices vary from tribe to tribe, but many Native American baby names come from nature, what was happening during the child’s birth or physical characteristics. Naming ceremonies can be elaborate, or they can be quiet and private.

Do you have Native American heritage, or do you love the way these names sound? Do they bring a feeling of peace or honor to you when you say them? Sit down with your partner and go over these names to see if any stand out to you.

More baby names

More Native American baby names
We predict: Hottest baby names for 2013
From John to Jackie O. — Kennedy-inspired baby names

Baby names from the 1920s

If you can’t get enough of Lady Mary Crawley and Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, then you will love our list of Downton Abbey inspired baby names.

We have rounded up the best names from this British PBS series, as well as other proper names from the early 1900s you are sure to love.

The Emmy-Award winning period drama Downton Abbey is set around 1920 and centers on the aristocratic Crawley family. Fans love the show for its romance, intrigue — and the great old-fashioned names, of course. In fact, these vintage baby names are back in style.

There are great actors who play great characters on Downton Abbey, including Dan Stevens as Matthew Crawley and Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham. These character names from Downton Abbey are classic and cool — and perfect for your little Lord of the manor.

Love the sisterly love between Lady Mary, Lady Edith and Lady Sybil? Actresses including Maggie Smith and Elizabeth McGovern make this show intriguing to watch. You will love these old-fashioned names from the characters of Downton Abbey:

The Social Security Administration keeps track of the top baby names each year, taken from birth certificates of babies born in the U.S.

As you can see, many of the names from Downton Abbey are taken from this list. The top boy names in the 1920s are:

The following boy names are not at the top of the list, but were still names popular in the 1920s. As the saying goes, what's old is new again — and these classic boy names are suddenly cool again!

The name Mary was actually ranked as the top girl name of the last 100 years. Check out the top 10 baby girl names from the 1920s — and don't be surprised if a new character in an upcoming episode of Downton Abbey has one of these old-fashioned names:

If you are looking for an old-fashioned baby girl name that is a bit more unique, check out these retro picks: 

More baby names

Old-fashioned baby names
Jolly ol' English baby names
Vintage baby names

Popular middle names for boys are trending toward traditional names, often paired with a unique name. Many parents may be passing on a family name in the form of a middle name for their baby boy as well.

Popular middle names for baby boys

These days, the use of “junior” also seems to be trending down, with more parents opting to include the father’s name as a middle name instead of a first name.

Traditional middle names for boys are popular among today's parents. Here are the top middle names for boys and celebrity baby name examples. As you can see, many pair a unique or trendy name with a classic middle name.

James ranks #18 as a first name on the Social Security Administration's list of top baby names. However, it is also a popular middle name.

Here are some celebrity baby name examples for boys:

• Abel James: Son of actress Amy Poehler and Will Arnett
• Augustin James: Model Linda Evangelista
• Dezi James:  Actress Jaime Pressly and Eric Calvo
• Jackson James: Talk show host Carson Daly
• Jayden James: Singer Britney Spears and Kevin Federline
• Kelley James: Actress Holly Marie Combs
• Kingston James: Singers Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale

The name Joseph ranks #16 as a first name on the Social Security Administration's list, but also makes a great middle name. Note how many decide on a first name also starting with the letter "J."

• Brendan Joseph: Actor Mark Wahlberg and Rhea Durham
• Jagger Joseph Blue: Actress Soleil Moon Frye
• James Joseph: Actor Tom Cavanagh
• Jax Joseph: Actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon
• Michael Joseph: Talk show host Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos

Edward does not make the top 100 list for first names for boys, but it is a strong, classic name that, thanks to Twilight, may be moving up the charts.

• Beckett Edward: Actress Nicole Sullivan and Jason Packham
• Lydon Edward: Singer and talk show host Mark McGrath and Carin
• Huckleberry Edward: Edward Michael Grylls and Shara
• John Edward Thomas: Actress Bridget Moynahan and Tom Brady
• Maxwell Edward: Cycling superstar Lance Armstrong

The name Thomas ranks #57 as a first name and is a strong middle name as well. Here are some examples:

• Griffin Thomas: New Kids on the Block singer Joey McIntyre
• Jaid Thomas: Actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon
• John Edward Thomas: Actress Bridget Moynahan and Tom Brady
• Nathan Thomas: The Daily Show's Jon Stewart

The name Lee doesn't rank in the top 100 list for baby boy names, but it is a popular middle name, especially paired with a first name starting with the letter "B."

• Bandit Lee: Gerard Way and Lyn-Z
• Beau Lee: Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton "Baby Spice" and Jade Jones
• Beckett Robert Lee: Designer Stella McCartney and Alasdhair

A middle name is a great way to pass on a family name to your child. Need more ideas? Use the following names for inspiration:

• Joshua
• Michael
• Patrick ,  
• William
• Ray
• Daniel .

Also check out middle name trends for girls >>

More baby boy name ideas

Virtue baby names: From Faith to Justice
Unique baby boy names
Traditional baby names

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , anywhere from 10-25 percent of all clinically recognized pregnancies will end in miscarriage. Chemical pregnancies may account for 50-75 percent of all miscarriages.

The loss is great and the grieving can sometimes last forever when you've had a miscarriage. I should know, I've had five.

One day there's a heartbeat and the next there's not.

It's heartbreaking beyond belief.

Memorializing the losses

With each loss, I became sad and depressed. I wrote about my feelings, cried with my husband, read about how others had suffered, met with my counselor and support group, discussed what went wrong with my RE and slowly but surely gained enough strength to move on to the next cycle.

But the pain remains and there was now another longing, not just the longing for a child, but a longing and a necessity to memorialize the losses.

Glass hearts of hope

I bought the first bright red glass heart just before we started our last round of IVF, a process that we were certain would work. I carried it with me everywhere, in my pocket or purse, always within reach. I carried it for luck and love, but most of all for hope.

When the process didn’t work, I wanted to throw it against the wall and watch it shatter, like my own heart had.

Again.

Instead, I placed it in a box that was once my mother's on my dresser and there it stayed.

What could have been

I have since added four more just like it because it has taken on a different meaning: What could have been.

I have learned that it's important to grieve for the lives and the ’what could have beens.’ It's part of the healing process and I realize that the emotional impact of a miscarriage can and probably will take longer to heal than the physical impact.

It is agonizing knowing those hearts are there, but they represent a very long and grueling journey that we have not yet completed.

They represent loss.

And peace.

And hope.

Image credit: Tonya Wertman

More on infertility

Holding on to hope during infertility
Infertility: With a little help from your friends
TTC: I quit

Fergie

Fergie and Josh Duhamel are expecting their first child together! The 37-year-old Black Eyed Peas singer made the announcement via Twitter:

"Josh & Me & BABY makes three," she tweeted, with the hashtag "my lovely baby bump."

The couple have been married since 2009 — and they both have been open about wanting a family, however Fergie admitted to Rachael Ray that it was tough battling baby bump rumors when she wasn't pregnant.

"[People ask if I'm pregnant] every time I fluctuate a few pounds. Like right now, I'm a couple pounds up," Fergie said last September. "Sometimes I go a couple pounds down and I wear the clothes that are more fitted, but people kind of look at me because they're expecting [that] it's that time. We do hope for children and that will be coming up, but it's not yet."

It sounds like the time is right in 2013!

No word how far along Fergie is, however this photo above is from the Safe Haven premiere on February 5 and we don't spot much of a baby bump quite yet. A source indicated to Us Weekly that she was early in her pregnancy, saying, "They just found out and tweeted it to the world."

Next up: Pregnant Jessica Simpson wears her own line of maternity clothes

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Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson looked chic as she showed off her baby bump in a black tunic top paired with leggings and a pink blazer — which was perfect for her Valentine’s Day date! Simpson left The Ivy in Santa Monica hand-in-hand with her fiance, Eric Johnson. Their daughter, 9-month-old Maxwell, must have been home with Grandma or Aunt Ashlee Simpson.

Simpson recently joked about her surprise pregnancy, telling Jay Leno:

“Apparently it was a part of God’s plan for my life. I was extremely shocked because I was going through a lot of hormonal changes, trying to get back to the old, vibrant Jessica. You know, it was kind of like a one-night stand. And it happened, all over again!”

Once they do set a wedding date after her second baby is born, she promised, “I’ll just keep my legs crossed.”

Simpson is wearing her own Jessica Simpson Secret Fit Belly Jersey Knit Maternity Leggings from Destination Maternity .

Next up: Reggie Bush and his pregnant Kim Kardashian look-alike

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Reggie Bush and Lilit Avagyan

Reggie Bush and his pregnant girlfriend Lilit Avagyan have been keeping a low profile since they announced her pregnancy last year. The couple was spotted wearing matching black and white outfits as they left Bootsy Bellows nightclub on February 12.

Lilit, who is a professional dancer, has been compared to Bush’s ex-girlfriend Kim Kardashian — who, of course, also happens to be pregnant.

The Miami Dolphins football player hasn’t said much about the pregnancy since he made the announcement last October on the Paul and Young Ron Morning Radio Show. His Twitter feed is equally quiet on the pregnancy comments as it is full of football observations.

"I have a little one on the way. We're pretty excited... It's an opportunity to bring in new life and raise a child," he told the radio show last year.

"I'm hoping for a boy because if it's a girl, I'm going straight to the gun shop to buy some guns," he joked, before saying that becoming a parent was, "the most special gift to a man and to a woman."

Next up: Reggie Bush’s pregnant ex-girlfriend, Kim Kardashian

Photo: Celebrity Baby Scoop - Celebrity Mom and Baby News

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Kim Kardashian

Pregnant Kim Kardashian hides her baby bump behind a skirt of feathers as she poses with will.i.am at the Topshop Topman LA Opening on February 13.

Kim K. is expecting her first child in July with her boyfriend, Kanye West. The couple hasn’t revealed the sex of the baby — however her mom Kris Jenner says she thinks it might be twins!

"I think it’s probably twins!" she told E! News.

What does Grandma think of the sex of the baby?

“I don’t know, I’m not even going to try to guess,” Kris said. “Kanye wants a boy but would be happy with a girl too, he doesn’t really care. Kim wants a little girl badly. But right now, nobody knows what they are having.”

Next up: Pregnant Kristen Bell bares her baby bump

Photo by Jeff Vespa/Getty Images for Topshop Topman

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Kristen Bell

Pregnant actress Kristen Bell tweeted this photo of her bare baby bump with the caption:

“Some people are more excited than others about the baby filling,” she wrote.

She later posted another photo of her dog lying on her belly, writing: "Lolas new tactic: sitting on the baby as much as possible, like a chicken to an egg. Begging the baby to come out soon."

The House of Lies actress and her fiance, Dax Shepard, are expecting their first child this spring.

Next up: Jamie Lynn Sigler is starting to show!

Photo credit: Celebrity Baby Scoop - Celebrity Mom and Baby News

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Jamie Lynn Sigler

Pregnant actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler was spotted running some last-minute errands on Valentine’s Day as she showed off her baby bump in a striped sweater. The Guys with Kids actress recently confirmed that she and her fiance, Cutter Dykstra, are expecting their first child together.

As far as pregnancy cravings, it sounds like sweets are at the top of her list!

“I couldn't decide between Oreo or cherry cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory so I got both! Happy valentine day!!!!” she recently tweeted.

Sigler and Dykstra starting dating last March and announced their engagement on January 27 -- followed shortly by their pregnancy news!

"Thank you to everyone for all the sweet messages," she tweeted after announcing the pregnancy. "We are so excited to be able to share the news of this incredible blessing!"

From Penelope Cruz to Jenna Dewan-Tatum, check out more celebrity baby bumps here>>

Photos: WENN unless otherwise noted

You've probably heard about postpartum depression, but did you know women can suffer from depression during pregnancy? Whether you have certain risk factors for depression or if prenatal depression is the furthest thing from your mind, it could happen to you.

When depression hits before you give birth

Prenatal depression could happen to anyone and it's nothing to be ashamed about.

According to the March of Dimes, as many as one in five women suffers from depression during pregnancy. Prenatal depression can be hard to diagnose because many of the symptoms are similar to those of pregnancy in general, such as sleeping too much, loss of energy, difficulty concentrating or changes in appetite. More serious symptoms include lack of interest, feelings of guilt, thoughts or ideas about suicide.

Deborah Gilboa, M.D. explains, "We've not identified one 'cause' of prenatal depression any more than we can say there is one cause of depression in general. However, we do know what makes it more likely and other contributing factors. Women with a history of mood disorders — depression, anxiety, bipolar — are at higher risk of experiencing depression during pregnancy."

Sometimes prenatal depression is a result of stress or a challenging pregnancy. Maureen, a mother of two, says, "I realize now that I became depressed shortly after getting a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome for my son. I didn't realize what I was experiencing was necessarily depression, though. I thought we were just having a hard time with discovering our unborn child had Down syndrome, just like anyone would."

Learn how stress affects your pregnancy >>

There are no easy answers to this question.

If you already took medication for depression before getting pregnant, Gilboa advises not to stop before talking to your doctor. She explains, "Moms, dads and doctors need to weigh the risks and the benefits of using medicine to stabilize mood during pregnancy — it is often more beneficial than harmful."

Learn about a holistic approach to healing depression >>

If you're concerned about the risks of taking anti-depressants, be sure to get the information you need from your doctor or midwife so you can make an informed decision. Talk therapy with a counselor who specializes in prenatal issues may also help.

Untreated prenatal depression could have adverse effects on your pregnancy, starting with poor — or lack of — prenatal care. If you're depressed, you may not have the energy or interest in going to regular appointments with your doctor or midwife. Not to mention, taking good care of yourself with proper nutrition and prenatal vitamins. These are just a few reasons why it's crucial to get help — don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask for it, whether from your doctor, midwife or a mental health professional.

Maureen says, "You cannot — and I repeat, cannot — just snap out of depression. It takes time, understanding, compassion and help."

As for your baby, Gilboa explains, "There are good studies that show that women with unchecked depression or anxiety during pregnancy have babies with low birth weight, preterm delivery, higher rates of C-section, pre-eclampsia, hypoglycemia and respiratory distress."

Bottom line? Arm yourself with resources in your community and a good support team just in case you experience depression during pregnancy. Maureen encourages moms-to-be to do the same. She says, "Talk to each other about depression before you experience it, even if it's just a, 'Hey, I don't think this will happen, but in case it does, can we talk about a plan?''

More about depression

5 Signs of prepartum depression
Light therapy appears effective for depression during pregnancy
Symptoms of postpartum depression

Hi-Yo Silver!

Names for your little cowboy

Looking for a baby boy name with western flavor? Look no more — from famous outlaws to popular cultural icons to names that are just too cool, we’ve got you covered!

These western-inspired baby names are perfect for your handsome little cowboy.

Have a hankerin’ for a baby name that echoes your love of the Wild West? Or have you grown up or spent time in the western U.S. and want a name for your baby boy that sounds as handsome and rugged as you hope he will grow up to be?

Western-sounding baby names can come from many different sources. The famous names from American Old West or Wild West are the names of famous or infamous outlaws and the lawmen that sought after them. You’ll find the names of Frank and Jesse James, outlaw brothers from Missouri, and the Earp brothers , legendary lawmen of the Old West.

Other names here come from Western tales in radio, film and literature, from popular actors like John Wayne and Gary Cooper to authors such as Louis L’Amour to fictional characters like Ranger Reid, otherwise known as The Lone Ranger.

So hop on your horse, don those boots and wrap that bandana on — you’re in for a fun ride.

Check out these cool Western names for baby boys and learn about their meanings.

More awesome baby names

Baby names dads will love
Baby boy names with serious swagger
Tough baby names for boys

Do you love baseball? Does the crack of the bat in the spring make your heart sing? Do you roam your local baseball stadium during the summer? Then these baby names are perfect for your little one. What better way to honor the sport you love than by naming your kiddo after a famous baseball player?

Here are some of the most legendary baseball players that have played America’s favorite pastime. Inspiration can come from the player’s first name or the last.

Don’t worry — there are female baseball players that can make great baby names, too. During World War II, due to players being called away to war, women played professional baseball through the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Here are some of their names — many of which understandably have a classic feel to them as they come from decades ago, but are certainly excellent choices for modern parents as well.

Don't limit your search to old-time players or just the greatest and brightest players. The roster of your favorite MLB team, or throughout the minor leagues, may just be hiding the perfect gem of a baby name that you have been looking for. First names are an obvious choice, but many last names can be used as well, and some do well as girl names as well as boy names.

Not feeling any of these as a first name? Why not as a middle name? Hideo Nomo is certainly unique, and you might not pick it as a first name — but one or both would make a really cool middle name.

Keep your mind open and your eyes peeled as you take in games this spring and summer — you may just stumble across the name that's meant for your baby.

More baby names

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February celebrity baby names

Which famous celebrities have birthdays in the month of February? Whether you are expecting a baby in this romantic month — or celebrate a birthday yourself in February, find out if you share a birthday with Steve Jobs, Rihanna, Elizabeth Taylor — or former U.S. Presidents George Washington or Abe Lincoln.

It is always fun to find out who your baby will share a birthday with — and perhaps their birthday buddy will have a name that will also inspire you. Cool baby names inspired by famous February birthdays include Lincoln , Rihanna and Axl .

Here are the celebrities who celebrate their birthdays this month. Click on the names to find out the meaning and origin of the name.

February horoscopes and holidays

If you were born between Jan. 20 and Feb. 18, you are an Aquarius. If you were born between Feb. 19 and March 20, you are a Pisces. The most popular holiday in February is Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14. Groundhog Day is celebrated on Feb. 2, while the Chinese New Year is celebrated on Feb. 10. The next Leap Year, which is on Feb. 29, is not until 2016.

More baby names

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Would you let an advertiser pick your baby’s name for $5,000? A parenting startup called Belly Ballot ran a contest and one L.A. mom is ready to turn over her baby’s naming rights for the cash.

Baby name contest sparks controversy

Most parents put a lot of thought into picking the perfect baby name, and that includes searching the internet, reading books, looking at family names and seeing how well the name flows with the last name. One thing that probably doesn't cross their mind, however, is selling the baby name for cash. That is exactly what one parenting website called Belly Ballot has proposed with their “$5,000 National Belly Branding Contest.”

“One lucky pregnant couple will win $5,000 in exchange for letting the entire world decide their baby’s name,” the contest rules explain. “We will select a number of currently trending names, and names sponsored by our advertisers to be listed on the ballot.”

Just to be clear, the winner of the contest doesn’t get input on the names, as the rules state that Belly Ballot and their “advertiser sponsorships” decide on the name options and then there will be nationwide voting on those particular names. No word yet as to which advertisers are involved.

The comments on their website were mixed, with some excited about the money prize:

“My husband and I are trying to buy a house because our apartment is too small for our new baby and this would be huge help for our down payment,” wrote one parent.

Other commenters had reservations about the contest:

“Don’t get me wrong… I could use the money, but this sounds a bit outrageous,” wrote one commenter. “What if everyone chooses a terrible name? Am I still on the hook to choose it? Why can’t I select my favorite names instead of you determining that?”

And another:

“This is crazy. You should all be ashamed of yourselves for even considering this. What are you going to tell your baby when they ask you how you chose their name? Don't do it, you will regret this.”

Many parents, including the pregnant California mom named Natasha Hill who won the contest, saw this as a good financial move, with Belly Ballot saying she revealed she would “spend half the money on credit card debt and the rest would go into a college fund for her new baby.”

“I’m so excited to have won!” Hill is quoted as saying. “I think the whole Belly Ballot concept is so social and fun, and can’t wait to see what everyone votes for!”

Some parents agree with Hill, with one commenter on the site defending themselves against the negative comments, “Well, I’m so happy you are in a good financial position where you don’t need the support… must be nice. Don’t judge others who could really use the money to provide a better life for their children.”

We reached out to Lacey Moler, co-founder of Belly Ballot, who told us she has seen “excitement” with the contest.

“I don't really view it as selling your rights as much as an exciting opportunity for a new mom to include people all over the world to vote on and help her pick her baby's name,” she told SheKnows. “... [The] winner... is thrilled about being able to crowdsource the name. I know that this might not appeal to everyone, and we definitely respect parents who choose to keep their name and the baby naming process more private. However, we are allowing baby naming to become more social, and a lot of parents love being able to include their friends and family in the process.“

Crowdsourcing baby names did generate a buzz recently when Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer sent group emails and tweets asking for baby name suggestions. There is one major difference, however, in that advertisers weren’t paying to have her baby name rights and she got the final say .

A dangerous precedent

Kasey Candela, founder of The Rosa Cee Community, had concerns when he heard about the contest.

“To me, this is a dangerous precedent,” Candela tells SheKnows. “Some things have to still be sacred. Our children are not baseball stadiums. They are not a football bowl game. These aren’t things that we can sell for money or leverage for money. It is one of those things that should be off limits. You can make the case that a grown adult could do something like this — although I wouldn’t agree with that — but at least you have a consenting adult. In this case, the child is not even born yet.”

Candela says that the Belly Ballot contest violates not only our culture’s morality, but the rights of the child as well.

“We are obviously in a horrible economic position and most people are hurting but there are some things we just cannot do for money,” he told us in a phone interview. “You have to keep your dignity and your pride. There are a lot of tempting things — like why don’t people go into prostitution in bad times like this? There are bridges that are too far and I think a lot of people are being short-sighted and don’t understand the implications and they will look back and be sad at their decision.”

Candela said he also spoke with Belly Ballot co-founder Moler about his problem with the contest. “For her it was just for fun. I said to her, ‘Don’t you think that this could be a dangerous precedent that if all [of] the sudden we as a society deem that selling our children’s organs or getting a tattoo of a logo is OK?’ She didn’t deny it.”

In fact, Candela said his Christian organization Rosa Cee consists of a group of people who share the same concerns about traditional parenting and cultural values regarding childrearing and they plan on boycotting the advertisers who take part in this contest.

“Our goal is not only to stop the contest. With any of the advertisers that come out, we want them to know that there is a grassroots effort and there are people who really do care and are willing to use their pocketbooks to stop these kinds of cultural issues that we don’t agree with,” he said. “Personally within our group, we are not going to buy any of their products and hopefully this will grow and will be a chain reaction and it will be a spark that will pass along to other groups.”

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Hi-Yo Silver!

Names for your little cowboy

Looking for a baby boy name with western flavor? Look no more — from famous outlaws to popular cultural icons to names that are just too cool, we’ve got you covered!

These western-inspired baby names are perfect for your handsome little cowboy.

Have a hankerin’ for a baby name that echoes your love of the Wild West? Or have you grown up or spent time in the western U.S. and want a name for your baby boy that sounds as handsome and rugged as you hope he will grow up to be?

Western-sounding baby names can come from many different sources. The famous names from American Old West or Wild West are the names of famous or infamous outlaws and the lawmen that sought after them. You’ll find the names of Frank and Jesse James, outlaw brothers from Missouri, and the Earp brothers , legendary lawmen of the Old West.

Other names here come from Western tales in radio, film and literature, from popular actors like John Wayne and Gary Cooper to authors such as Louis L’Amour to fictional characters like Ranger Reid, otherwise known as The Lone Ranger.

So hop on your horse, don those boots and wrap that bandana on — you’re in for a fun ride.

Check out these cool Western names for baby boys and learn about their meanings.

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Do you love baseball? Does the crack of the bat in the spring make your heart sing? Do you roam your local baseball stadium during the summer? Then these baby names are perfect for your little one. What better way to honor the sport you love than by naming your kiddo after a famous baseball player?

Here are some of the most legendary baseball players that have played America’s favorite pastime. Inspiration can come from the player’s first name or the last.

Don’t worry — there are female baseball players that can make great baby names, too. During World War II, due to players being called away to war, women played professional baseball through the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Here are some of their names — many of which understandably have a classic feel to them as they come from decades ago, but are certainly excellent choices for modern parents as well.

Don't limit your search to old-time players or just the greatest and brightest players. The roster of your favorite MLB team, or throughout the minor leagues, may just be hiding the perfect gem of a baby name that you have been looking for. First names are an obvious choice, but many last names can be used as well, and some do well as girl names as well as boy names.

Not feeling any of these as a first name? Why not as a middle name? Hideo Nomo is certainly unique, and you might not pick it as a first name — but one or both would make a really cool middle name.

Keep your mind open and your eyes peeled as you take in games this spring and summer — you may just stumble across the name that's meant for your baby.

More baby names

Girl names with great meanings
50 Pretty baby girl names
All-American girl names: The new classics

Are you looking for a baby name inspired by a Hollywood star? We scoured celebrity history for the best celebrity baby names for boys and girls, from classic to contemporary.

Big names
for little stars

Check out our list of iconic celebrity baby names for your shining star to be.

Parents always have big dreams for their little ones. Whether you’re nostalgic for the glamour of Old Hollywood or you admire the talent of today’s stars, look for a celebrity baby name that inspires greatness. We’ve searched for the best names from the biggest stars of the silver screen to bring you baby names fit for greatness. Celebrity baby names for boys and celebrity baby names for girls are some of the best names out there. These names call to mind amazing moments on film and big personalities that shaped Hollywood history.

From villains to heroes, classic Hollywood actors brought dreams to the big screen. These austere, classic baby boy names have a legacy of talent. Name your baby boy after award-winning men who gave us some of the most memorable moments of film.

Names like Audrey and Bette will immediately bring to mind the amazing women who changed the face of Hollywood. Evoke the confidence of swooning heroines and strong women with these classic baby girl names inspired by the most famous actresses in the world.

Find more retro baby names>>

Is your baby boy a future superstar? These baby boy names come from men who grace the biggest blockbuster action films and the most award-winning films of our time. Name your baby after a modern male celebrity.

Use the Advanced Baby Name search to learn more about your favorite baby names >>

You don’t have to say anything more than Angelina or Charlize for someone to know exactly who you’re talking about. These women bring to life beautiful and imaginative roles on screen and capture the world’s imagination and attention as fashion icons.

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Needles and TTC

A common and effective practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine today is to have an acupuncture treatment immediately before and immediately after IVF.

Studies have shown this practice to increase the number of resulting pregnancies by as much as 50 percent as compared to IVF treatments that did not employ TCM concurrently.

When my RE first recommended acupuncture, I was more than a little apprehensive. The thought of having dozens of tiny needles sticking into my flesh scared me to death, but I tried to remain focused and open-minded, plus I am willing to try anything in my quest to have a baby.

Although I don't always know what's going on inside my body and I'm not pregnant yet, in the year and a half that I have been receiving acupuncture treatments, I have noticed a decrease in my stress level overall and greater consistency to my menstrual cycle, not to mention with the aid of acupuncture, I was able to get rid of a cyst on one of my ovaries.

The American Pregnancy Association defines acupuncture as, "the insertion of ultra-thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on the body which reside on channels or meridians; these are pathways in both the exterior and interior of the body." These points, when needled, can regulate the way in which the body functions.

There are many studies showing that acupuncture can increase success rates of IVF. Western doctors are beginning to embrace it, sometimes sending their patients to acupuncturists for specific conditions. And the federal Food and Drug Administration takes it seriously enough to regulate acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners.

Acupuncture and TTC

I talked to Kelly LeGendre L.Ac., owner of The Fix Community Acupuncture and founder of HappyMamaHealthyBaby.com who specializes in fertility. LeGendre treats both women looking to get pregnant without the assistance of reproductive technologies, as well as those undergoing IUI and IVF. For patients undergoing IVF, she typically accompanies them to their endocrinologist's office and performs acupuncture immediately before egg retrieval and after embryo transfer.

According to LeGendre, "Acupuncture has been shown to improve ovarian function and encourage your body to produce higher quality eggs, increase blood flow to the uterus and aid in thickening of the uterine lining, decrease side effects associated with hormonal therapy, and relieve the stress and anxiety associated with trying to conceive. Receiving acupuncture immediately before egg retrieval and after embryo transfer has been proven to dramatically increase the likelihood of pregnancy, reduce uterine contractions after transfer and decrease the possibility of miscarriage."

Acupuncture is also very effective for calming down the body and reducing stress, which can be a major deterrent when trying to conceive. Nowadays, even with a dozen or more needles stuck in my body, I often fall asleep during my treatments, they are that relaxing!

Costs of acupuncture

Acupuncture treatments can vary dramatically in cost, depending on how long you are treated and while many insurance companies cover the cost of acupuncture, some do not when treatment involves infertility, so check your policy carefully.

Acupuncture and IVF

To read the study showing increased rate of IVF pregnancy with acupuncture, visit the National Center for Biotechnology Information and to find an acupuncturist in your area, visit the American Pregnancy Association or consult with your reproductive medicine specialist for a recommendation.

It would be irresponsible of me to encourage desperate women trying to conceive to waste their time and money on a practice that I didn't use or believe in myself. I feel using an East-meets-West approach to care and aid in my infertility will ultimately yield optimal results.

More about infertility

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You dream of the perfect delivery and birth of your baby, but your bun in the oven may have plans of his own. Although forceps are used less often nowadays, it is still a possibility your baby will need a little help from these obstetrical instruments.

Conditions, concerns and possible risks

Before you make your way into the delivery room, give yourself a little peace of mind by learning when and how forceps are used during the delivery of your baby, including common concerns and possible risks.

Forceps are instruments used to help a physician guide your baby during vaginal delivery. Consisting of two identical metal pieces that resemble tongs, they cradle your baby's head to help "pull" your infant from the vaginal canal to the outside world.

According to a National Vital Statistics Report, forceps or vacuum delivery, also known as assisted delivery, was reported for 4.5 percent of vaginal births in the United States, showing that use of forceps during delivery is not a common method of delivery.

However, the use of forceps during delivery and birth may be recommended for a number of reasons during the pushing stage of your delivery, including fetal distress, lack of progress through your pelvis, exhaustion from pushing or if your baby is breech.

Discover how to naturally manage labor pain during childbirth>>

Your OB-GYN will insert the forceps into your vagina and around the sides of your baby's head. When a contraction hits and you push, she will grab the handles and gently pull your infant down and out of the birth canal. However, "There are a number of things which must happen in order to perform forceps," explains Dr. Rob Atlas M.D., chairman OB-GYN, Mercy Medical Center. "The patient must be fully dilated, must be fully informed about the procedure, risks and benefits, the bladder and rectum should be emptied and the fetal position altitude all must be known in order to perform the procedure."

Fear has been engrained into parents-to-be about the possible side effects of a forceps delivery, but permanent or fatal results are relatively rare. "Numerous studies have been performed assessing the risk of forceps vs. cesarean section and outlet and low forceps have very little risk," advises Dr. Atlas. "There are really no long term sequella to the use of forceps."

Temporary side effects from forceps delivery can include:

• Facial or head bruises which commonly clear within days
• Scalp blisters on your newborn's head which heal within a few weeks
• Temporary facial nerve injury to your newborn

Commonly, the risks of using forceps during delivery and birth are associated with the mother. Beyond the usual tearing or episiotomy, forceps increase your risk of tears in your cervix, vagina, perineum and anus. But the good news is that in time, the stitched, damaged tissue and possible incontinence will heal — just as it would with an unassisted vaginal delivery.

Learn how to avoid an episiotomy and/or tearing during birth>>

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Kate Middleton

Pregnant Kate Middleton made her second official appearance of the year at the Hope House in London — and she caused quite a stir!

The Duchess of Cambridge showed off a tiny baby bump in a Max Mara wrap dress that fit and flattered her body perfectly.

The Max Mara jersey grey print dress, which was on sale for $195, sold out within hours — however you can get on the list to be notified when it becomes available. This dress is not maternity, so both pregnant and non-pregnant women were vying for this chic dress!

Kate is due in July with her first child with Prince William. We can’t wait to see what she wears at her next official appearance, which is scheduled for March 5.

Next up: Kim Kardashian is also due in July — compare their baby bumps

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Kim Kardashian

Pregnant Kim Kardashian poses with Kourtney Kardashian at Elton John’s Oscar party on February 24. Kim, who is expecting her first child in July with Kanye West, is wearing a Donna Karan white maxi dress from her Resort 2013 collection.

Kim had been criticized for her awkward maternity fashion choices up to this point, including leather pants, tight dresses, sheer tops and peplum pants.

"I think because I have big boobs it could make me look heavier if I don't, like, show off my waist or something,” she told DuJour magazine. “So I just have kind of learned to dress one way only.“

She recently wrote her first “mommy blog” where she revealed a maternity fashion find — J Brand maternity jeans.

“They are these super comfy maternity jeans with soft, stretchy side panels in the front and they are absolutely amazing!” she wrote. “I feel like I’m back to my old self and I’m so happy! With this being my first pregnancy I’ve been finding it really difficult to find clothes that are comfortable and fit me well, but these are great.“

Next up: Channing Tatum and pregnant Jenna Dewan-Tatum at the Oscars

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Jenna Dewan-Tatum

Channing Tatum proudly touches the belly of his pregnant wife, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, at the 2013 Academy Awards. Dewan, 32, is expecting her first child with the Magic Mike star.

Jenna is glowing in a black lace Rachel Roy gown, while Channing is gorgeous in Gucci.

“We’re gonna have the baby in London while I’m shooting, and there will be no downtime whatsoever after that,” Channing told reporters of the couple’s busy schedule, saying that she “has a few more months” before giving birth and described the pregnancy as “his greatest production yet.”

How adorable is he?

“What a fun show!! How great was hubs dancing??!” Jenna tweeted, referring to Channing’s performance during the Oscars. “Feeling reaaaalllly pregnant right now but parties here I come!”

Next up: Fergie looks bump-alicous in Paris

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Fergie

Pregnant Fergie showed off her funky style — and the beginning of a baby bump! — as she arrived at the Kanye West concert in Paris on February 25 wearing a silky black tee with a blazer and striped pants.

Fergie, 37, recently announced that she and her husband, Josh Duhamel, are expecting their first child together. She made the announcement on Twitter, writing: ”Josh & Me & BABY makes three!!!”

Duhamel is excited to be a father, telling reporters at the London premiere of Safe Haven, ”It’s very exciting. Seeing that ultrasound is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. You’re like, ’Wow, it’s mine.’”

”I’ve got nieces and nephews and all my friends have kids,” he continued. ”All that stuff is a learning experience for when it actually happens, but I don’t think you’re ever truly prepared until it’s your own.”

Next up: Extra! host Mario Lopez and pregnant Courtney Mazza

Photo credit: Celebrity Photo Scoop - Celebrity Mom and Baby News

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Courtney Mazza

Extra! host Mario Lopez proudly touched the baby bump of his pregnant wife, Courtney Mazza, at the QVC Oscars pre-party. The couple, who are already parents to a daughter named Gia, recently announced they are expecting their second baby together.

So will Gia have a brother or a sister?

”We don't find out,” Mazza told SheKnows. ”That's what we did with Gia.”

She also revealed that she is having a great pregnancy so far, saying she has been craving licorice and chocolate. ”It's going great, I can't complain,” she said. ”I didn't know I was pregnant this time around. With Gia, I had never been pregnant before, but I knew that I was pregnant. So, this was like ’Oh, I'll take a test,’ because I just wasn't feeling myself. So, some things are different, but I really can't complain.”

From Evan Rachel Wood to Jessica Simpson, check out more pregnancy celebrities here>>

All photos WENN unless noted otherwise