Pregnancy can be an exciting and scary time for any mother-to-be. Staying up-to-date and connected with other mothers can be important, not only for the information itself, but for the sense of community it can provide. One good way for a mother-to-be to stay informed is through pregnancy and parenting magazines.

Usually offered monthly or bi-monthly, pregnancy magazines often cover a wide range of topics, from fitness to health to fashion. The usual format allows for in-depth coverage of the newest trends and other topics of interest to readers. One issue may include tips for staying fit while pregnant, advice on how to choose the right stroller for your child, and an interview with a celebrity mom on her pregnancy experience. Even the ads in these magazines can be helpful, alerting you to new products and services for your child.

In addition to magazines focused just on pregnancy, you may want to consider parenting magazines as well. Many of these titles are designed to inform soon-to-be parents about the first months and years of a baby's life, as well as good nutrition, breastfeeding, and how to lose the weight gained during pregnancy in a healthy way. A parenting magazine may also be a good choice because the information it provides can stay relevant beyond the nine months of pregnancy, and into the first years of a child's life.

There are also a number of specialty pregnancy and parenting magazines available. These magazines focus on topics like disabled parents, special-needs children, natural and sustainable lifestyles, and fertility. There are also magazines aimed at the working, single mom and gay parents. These parenting magazines highlight the special concerns of parents whose experiences may not always be typical, helping to provide them with a community of parents in similar situations.

As with any magazine or subscription purchase, it's a good idea to see if the publication has a web site. Parenting and pregnancy magazine web sites can be a great way to connect with other parents and parents-to-be; most sites have forums where readers can discuss articles, ask questions, and give advice. Some magazine sites have the same articles as those found in the print publication, although in some cases these articles may be updated if new information becomes available, or enhanced with additional photos or video that could not be included in the magazine. Many sites also include blogs, written by magazine contributors or regular readers, which usually offer a more personal look at the experience of pregnancy and parenting.