Gaining a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy can help you protect the health of your baby and prepare your body for breast-feeding. Gaining too little can lead to a low birth weight for your baby. Gaining too much may increase the risk of having your baby early or a large baby; put you at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure and varicose veins; and leave you with extra weight to lose after delivery.

Keep track of your partner's emotional health. Encourage her to seek professional help if you feel she is dealing with a serious emotional issue. It's important for you to talk about every issue and not to assume anything. Note any drastic changes in her behavior. Make sure your partner knows she is not alone and you are there to support her.

The name you select for your baby will identify him or her for life. With so much at stake – and so many options – it pays to consider all the angles.

Parents today can expect to spend about $184,320* to house, feed, clothe, transport, educate and keep a child healthy from birth to age 18, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But there may be plenty of help at hand. Dependent tax credits can help keep more money in your wallet, while tax-advantaged education savings accounts may take the sting out of paying for primary and secondary education. Following your child's recommended schedule for immunizations and doctor's visits may also help keep medical costs to a minimum.