page_title: Parenting
section_title: Pregnancy and prenatal parenting
hierarchical_section_title: Parenting / Across the lifespan / Pregnancy and prenatal parenting
caption_attribution_description: Pregnant woman in a hot tub
context_page_description: Parenting or child rearing is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. Parenting refers to the intricacies of raising a child and not exclusively for a biological relationship.
  The most common caretaker in parenting is the father or mother, or both, biological parent of the child in question, although a surrogate may be an older sibling, a step-parent, a grandparent, a legal guardian, aunt, uncle or other family member, or a family friend. Governments and society may also have a role in child-rearing. In many cases, orphaned or abandoned children receive parental care from non-parent or non-blood relations. Others may be adopted, raised in foster care, or placed in an orphanage. Parenting skills vary, and a parent or surrogate with good parenting skills may be referred to as a good parent.
  Parenting styles vary by historical time period, race/ethnicity, social class, and other social features.
context_section_description: During pregnancy, the unborn child is affected by many decisions made by the parents, particularly choices linked to their lifestyle. The health, activity level and nutrition available to the mother can affect the child's development before birth.  Some mothers, especially in relatively wealthy countries, eat too much and spend too much time resting.  Other mothers, especially if they are poor or abused, may be overworked and may not be able to eat enough, or not able to afford healthful foods with sufficient iron, vitamins, and protein, for the unborn child to develop properly.
caption: Pregnant women and their unborn children benefit from moderate exercise, sufficient sleep, and high-quality nutrition.
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