Exercise After Pregnancy

by : Beverley Brooke

Generally most women can begin a formal exercise program within 6 weeks of giving birth, though this time frame might be slightly longer for some women, including those recovering from a C-section. Most women recovering from a C-section will be able to exercise after there incision has healed and their doctor has cleared them for exercise.

Just how soon you begin an exercise program will depend in part on how you feel. If you had an easy delivery with no tearing and few interventions and regularly exercised prior to birth, you may feel up to some light exercise within 2 weeks of giving birth.

If this is the case, your doctor will probably allow you to engage in some light activities, including walking. Strenuous activity should generally be avoided however until several weeks after birth.

For some women however, even light exercise in the weeks following delivery is not possible. If you had an episiotomy or tore severely while delivering for example, your body may not physically be ready for a formal exercise program for at least 4-6 weeks after birth (note… this is also how long most physicians recommend that women abstain from intercourse!).

How soon you begin exercising thus depends on your body and your unique situation. Be sure you consult with your physician before embarking on a new exercise program regardless of your activity level before and during pregnancy.

Let’s say that one more time because it is important… YOU MUST CONSULT WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF YOU WANT TO EMBARK ON AN EXERCISE PROGRAM. Your body goes through a lot of physical trauma when you deliver a baby. Starting an exercise program too soon will delay your recovery and could potentially injure your body permanently. It may also take you longer than six weeks to heal fully if you start exercising too soon.

Now, if you feel better and capable of working out before you hit the six week mark, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. Most will encourage light exercise including walking, and some may encourage other types of activity particularly if you were active before you got pregnant.

Each and every individual is unique and different, thus their ability to return to a regular exercise routine will vary after delivery. It is important that you listen to your body.

Exercise During Pregnancy

by : Beverley Brooke

One of the best things you can do for yourself and your unborn child during pregnancy is exercise. There are numerous studies that show that women who exercise during pregnancy are more likely to have easy labor and deliveries and faster recoveries.

Before you start any exercise program during pregnancy it is essential that you consult with your healthcare provider. For some women it may be more dangerous than beneficial to exercise during pregnancy.

Once you get the go ahead from your doctor, you can embark on an exercise program that is suitable to your stage in pregnancy.

Here are just a few of the benefits associated with exercise during pregnancy:
- Exercise helps combat fatigue.
- Exercise helps minimize back pain because it helps strengthen back muscles.
- Exercise can help promote a smaller amount of fat gain during pregnancy.
- Exercise provides an exceptional form of stress relief.
- Women who exercising during pregnancy are less likely to experience difficult labors.
- Women who exercise during pregnancy are more likely to return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster and recover more quickly after delivery.

There are some forms of activity that are better than others during pregnancy. Certain exercises can help promote physical fitness and are less likely to result in injury. Among the best exercises for pregnant moms include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Stretching
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Dancing
- Stationary Cycling
- Low Impact Prenatal Aerobics

Common Pregnancy Problems

by : Susan Tanner

All pregnant women will agree that the first few months of pregnancy are unpleasant, to say the least. You may experience morning sickness, swelling in the legs and ankles, abdominal pains and cramps, heartburn, constipation, fatigue, bladder problems, and a myriad of problems in between. The goal of this article is to help you deal with these issues and feel better.

Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is probably the most common of the pregnancy symptoms. Don't be fooled; morning sickness nausea will come at any time of the day, not just in the morning. To help prevent nausea in the morning, wake up slowly. Try eating some plain crackers or dry cereal before getting out of bed. Avoid warm places; heat can increase nauseas feelings. Keep fresh air flowing by opening windows, or turning on exhaust fans. Cooking things in the microwave will emit fewer odors than cooking in the oven or stovetop. Eat something salty before meals, avoid greasy or spicy foods, and try not to drink fluids with your meals. Spread your meals out throughout the day, into about 6 smaller meals. Try taking your prenatals later in the day, and ask your doctor about vitamin B6 and ginger supplements. Sipping on fizzy water with lemon in it, or non-caffeinated teas like peppermint and ginger can help calm nausea.

Abdominal Pain or Cramps
There are many changes going on in your body. A lot of stress is being put on your abdominal muscles, which can cause sharp pains and cramps. To relieve these pains, try using a warm heating pad. To prevent these pains, try strengthening your abdominal muscles. Talk to your doctor to find out which kinds of exercises are best for you.

Swelling
Throughout your pregnancy, you may experience some swelling. Wearing support hose can help to control your weight gain in your legs and ankles. Avoid standing for long periods of time. Wear well-fitting shoes, or buy inserts designed especially for pregnant women. Avoid diuretics, as these will lead to increased swelling. Stay off your feet as much as possible, and elevate your legs when sitting. Lying down is even better than sitting.

Constipation
To combat constipation, you should exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, and eat lots of fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables, and whole grain cereals and breads.

Fatigue
Fatigue can come from sleepless nights due to aches and pains or vivid dreams, or simply from too much stress. The most effective method for dealing with fatigue is to get plenty of rest. Take several naps during the day. Eat a well balanced diet, including about an extra 300 calories per day. Iron deficiency is a leading cause of fatigue, so be sure to get enough. Although it may seem counter-productive, fatigue can often be relieved by exercising. Exercise will be refreshing and will leave you feeling energized.

Heartburn
Many of the remedies associated with nausea will also help you deal with heartburn. In addition, chew fennel or papaya enzymes, and avoid wearing tight clothing.

Bladder Problems
Bladder problems can be among the most bothersome of pregnancy related issues. First and foremost, drink plenty of water. Avoid junk food, refined starches, coffee, sugar, tea, and foods high in acidic content. Avoid using soap on your genitals. Be sure to empty your bladder and wash with water after intercourse. Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. Try to include cabbage, leeks, and garlic in your diet, drink 3 glasses of cranberry juice every day, and take a vitamin C supplement.

Some women get more problems than others, but they generally get a little easier during the second trimester. In general, just make sure to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, get some exercise regularly, eat a well balanced diet, and try to keep an optimistic mindset.

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5 Heart Healthy Exercises You Can Do During Pregnancy

by : Tia Rodriguez

Pregnancy is a time of celebration, love, and unwanted but necessary weight gain. However, being pregnant doesn’t mean that your health and figure has to suffer permanent damage. You can gain weight in a healthy fashion while doing some very easy and safe heart healthy pregnancy exercise routines.

One of the simplest and most effective pregnancy exercises you can do is walking. Not only is walking one of the best cardiovascular exercises, it is also one of the safest pregnancy exercises you can engage in. Walking is one of the few pregnancy exercises that you can do for the complete duration of your pregnancy.

Another extremely beneficial heart healthy pregnancy exercise is swimming. Countless doctors and pregnant women have attested to the wonderful benefits of swimming during pregnancy. A weekly pregnancy exercise routine of swimming gives both the arms and legs a great workout while promoting cardiovascular health. Because of the nature of being subdued in water, swimming will also remind expectant mothers what it felt like before the pounds were added on. This is definitely a welcome change every now and then.

The third pregnancy exercise routine you can start doing to keep your body healthy is enrolling in an aerobics class. Many fitness centers and community centers offer low impact aerobics classes for pregnant women. One of the nicer benefits of this pregnancy exercise is that it is done in the company of other pregnant women under the watchful eye of a professional aerobics instructor. This means you are going to get a safe workout catered to the special needs of pregnancy.

Weight training is also a very beneficial pregnancy routine to keep your body healthy. Although you must only use very light weights when engaging in this pregnancy exercise, weight training is an excellent way of toning your body and increasing muscular strength.

The last heart healthy pregnancy exercise you can do to stay fit is Pilates/yoga. Both of these body conditioning exercises promote stretching and flexibility within the muscles. Yoga is also a nice accompaniment to walking. By doing a combination of these pregnancy exercises, you can have a healthy balanced cardiovascular routine.

Being pregnant doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice exercise and health. By walking, swimming, doing aerobics, weight training, and engaging in a Pilates/yoga routine, you can have a healthy and fit pregnancy.

About the author : Tia Rodriguez is a health and wellness coordinator for an upscale sports management agency.

Alcohol & Pregnancy

by : Beverley Brooke

If you have been drinking up until the point when you become pregnant or smoking it is also vital that you stop doing so immediately. Many women worry that they consumed a few alcoholic drinks prior to learning they were pregnant. If you are concerned you should talk with your healthcare provider. Chances are that everything will be just fine as long as you stop immediately. At this time there are no recommended safe limits of alcohol to consume during pregnancy, thus it is best that you avoid alcohol all together.
Smoking is equally as harmful for a mother during pregnancy. Smoking can also affect your unborn fetus, potentially contributing to birth defects or respiratory problems later in life. Did you know that when you smoke your baby is receiving less oxygen than they normally would? This can cause your baby to grow less rapidly than they might normally, and may also contribute to preterm labor, which can be potentially life threatening for your infant.
If you are a smoker when you find out you are pregnant, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider immediately about your condition. Your healthcare provider can work with you to develop a plan for quitting that is manageable and something you can learn to live with during your pregnancy. There are also numerous support groups available for mothers who are trying to quit during and even after pregnancy. Remember that the sooner you quit smoking, the sooner you start providing your unborn child with the best possible outcome for a healthy and safe delivery and later life.

7 Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy

by. Jane Thurnell - Read

It is always important to take whatever steps you can to be healthy, but while you are pregnant it is even more important: not only do you need to take good care of yourself, you are also profoundly affecting the life of another person – your baby. Here's 7 tips to help you along the way.

1.If you smoke, one of the most important things you can do is to stop smoking: babies born to mothers who smoke have a lower average birth weight, are more likely to be born prematurely, and are at greater risk of death from sudden infant death syndrome than babies of non-smokers. Sometimes mothers feel having a low birth weight baby could be an advantage as it will make the baby easy to deliver. This is not necessarily the case, as it may lead to an emergency delivery, which can result in all sorts of complications. Even if you are already pregnant, stopping smoking will benefit the baby for the rest of your pregnancy. It is not only the baby who benefits. You are likely to suffer from less morning sickness, experience fewer complications and have a more contented baby after the birth.

2. It is also important to pay attention to your diet. Many women feel they should ‘eat for two’, but research has shown that women only need an extra 200-300 calories a day while pregnant, and you may be eating those extra calories anyway. What is important is to ensure that you get the protein, vitamins and minerals necessary to build another human being. Those extra 200-300 calories should not be squandered on chocolate or crisps, but should be eaten as fruit, vegetables, etc. It is also important to increase your water intake, which will help avoid constipation.

3. It is generally a good idea to take a good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement too. There are now ones specially formulated for pregnant women. Ideally these should be started before you become pregnant, so that you are in the best shape possible for the pregnancy, and then continued throughout your pregnancy. An adequate supply of vitamins and minerals is important right from conception. For example, a deficiency of one of the B vitamins, folic acid, in the first month of pregnancy may lead to the baby being born with a cleft lip, congenital heart disease or spina bifida. Omega-3 fatty acids (obtained by eating oily fish, flaxseed oil, walnuts, spinach and spirulina, or taken as a supplement) are important for the development of the baby’s eyes and brain. Omega-3 also reduces the risk of premature birth and post-natal depression.

4. Nobody knows how much alcohol it is safe to consume during pregnancy, so many health experts feel it is better to avoid alcohol entirely for the sake of the baby. This can seem hard on the pregnant woman when everyone else is drinking, but it is important to remember that alcohol is a poison for the growing baby, and no caring mother willingly gives her baby poison.

5. Pregnancy is not a time to sit still. Although adequate rest is vitally important, most experts believe that healthy pregnant women should be taking 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day.

6. It is also important to minimise exposure to toxic chemicals while pregnant, so spending a lot of time painting the house and laying new carpets is not a good idea, especially in the early stages of pregnancy when the baby is particularly vulnerable.

7. Many women find pregnancy stressful, and this can be a particularly good time to turn to safe, non-invasive options such as Bach flower remedies, homeopathy, kinesiology and other therapies.
Making a new life is something miraculous. Doing the best you can for that new life starts long before you have the baby in your arms for the first time.

About the author : Jane Thurnell-Read is an author and researcher on health, allergies and stress. She has written two books for the general public: "Allergy A to Z" and "Health Kinesiology".

Why Do Teens Start to Smoke?

From : Denise Witmer

Considering what a bad smelling and awful looking habit smoking is you have to wonder why teens would want to start. But they do. According to the World Health Organization "between 80,000 and 100,000 children worlwide start smoking everyday'. Here are some of the reasons why teens start smoking :

• One or both parents smoke.
• People they admire smoke.
• Teens find acceptance by peers if they smoke too.
• Mass media campaign for smoking works on teenagers and adults.
• Teens feel invincible or that they can stop at anytime. So why not try it?
• It helps the teen lose weight, reduce stress, etc
• Smoking's biggest draw is that it is an adult activity that is forbidden.
  

About Teen Smooking

Five Truths About Teen Smooking

From : Denise Witmer

Prevent Teen Smooking Series

Parents often feel powerless against the tough issues teens face because they cannot control their teen's choices. While it is true need to make their own choices, parents do have more influence than they think. Read through these five truths on teen smoking to become empowered about a tough choice your teen is facing everyday.

Truth 1 : Anyone's teen can start smoking. Every day in the United States, more than 3,000 young people become regular smoker's-that's more than one million new smokers a year. The pull to smoke is not just affecting someone else's kid. Your teen sees the glamorous advertising, has peers who smoke and is as vulnerable to becoming a smoker as much as anybody else's teen. And yes, teens who play sports and are considered 'good kids' smoke too.

Truth 2 : Nearly all first time smoking happens before high school graduation, according to the CDC. If your teen hasn't started smoking before he/she graduates, chances are he/she never will. That is good news. It means that you have the time to influence your teen and their choices.

Truth 3 : Actively working on your teen's self-esteem, self-confidence and resilience can prevent your teen from smoking. Often, teens cite 'being accepted' as a reason for starting to smoke, along with modeling someone they admire, to loose weight or to overcome stress. Help your teen develop friendships, shape a healthy body image and deal with stress without having to turn to tobacco use.

Truth 4 : Your teen needs to hear that smoking is bad for him/her from you. While your teen's friends may seem to be more important to your teen, you are his/her number one choice to learn about values. This is the time to make it count. Send a clear message to your teen that you consider smoking to be unhealthy. Be sure to do this facts and try not to use scare tactics that will only backfire.

Truth 5 : If your teen smokes, he/she can't quit just because you've ask. According to American Cancer Society 'the best school health classes won't have much effect on the students who already smoke, unless those teens are also offered professional help to quit'. Teens do not realize they are addicted until it is too late. Among adolescents aged 10-18, about three-fourths of daily cigarette smokers report that they continue to use tobacco it is really hard for them to quit. Your teen needs to team up with you and a doctor in order to kick this nasty habit. It is worth your time and money to help your teen get through this problem.

Pregnancy : month-by-month Guide

CONGRATULATIONS, you're pregnant! Follow your pregnancy month by month by Little Company of Mary Hospital

ONE MONTH PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT ONE MONTH PREGNANT

Your body will begin to undergo an amazing series of changes over the next nine months. During the first month your pregnant, your period will cease, or you will experience light spotting as the embryo implants itself in your uterus. Morning sickness, which can happen any time throughout the day, can begin (usually between two to six weeks of gestation). Your breasts become slightly fuller and tender, and you urinate more frequently because your growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder. You may also experience fatigue.
Don’t be surprised if your emotions start to swing. You may feel joy or elation, or become weepy, fearful and irritable. These feelings are normal.

YOUR BABY AT ONE MONTH PREGNANT

For the first eight weeks your pregnant, your baby is an embryo, which resembles a tadpole. By the end of the first month, the embryo is about half-an-inch long and weighs less than one ounce. During the first month your pregnant, all major organs and systems begin to form. The neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, begins to form. The digestive system and the heart and circulatory systems also begin to form. Tiny limb buds appear, which will develop into arms and legs. The ears and eyes are also beginning to develop. By the end of the first month your pregnant, the heart begins to beat

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR ONE MONTH PREGNANT

Prenatal care involves a series of regular examinations and tests by your physician. In an uncomplicated pregnancy, most women will see their physician monthly, until the 32nd week of pregnancy. Then, you will be seen every two weeks. In the final month of pregnancy, you will be seen every week.
Your first prenatal visit will be the most thorough. A complete medical history is taken, including previous surgeries, as well as any current medications (prescription and over-the-counter). Other topics covered include maternal and paternal family medical history, personal gynecological and obstetrical history, a review of diet and lifestyle, and a complete physical exam, including a pelvic exam.
Routine blood tests will be ordered to identify your blood type, Rh factor, whether you’re deficient in iron, immune to German measles (rubella) or have a sexually transmitted disease such as syphilis or herpes. A urinalysis is performed to check for the presence of bacteria, protein and sugar.
Another important part of your first prenatal visit is to determine your estimated due date, which is determined by the date of your last period, your menstrual history and your vaginal examination. You will also receive education regarding important topics such as proper nutrition, regular exercise, and the avoidance of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.

THINGS TO DO AT ONE MONTH PREGNANT

During the first month your pregnant, it’s important to make your first doctor appointment. You should also make sure you start taking 0.4 milligrams or 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Folic acid has been shown to dramatically reduce the chances of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Now’s the time to also clarify your childbirth coverage with your health insurance company, to make sure you understand the restrictions and pre-authorization requirements.



TWO MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT TWO MONTHS PREGNANT

Your morning sickness continues into the second month your pregnant, and changes in your body’s hormones can cause light-headedness or dizziness. Remember, not all women pregnant will have these symptoms, which is normal as well. Breast soreness and tenderness continues and the nipple area darkens. Hormonal changes can also cause your face to break out. The total amount of blood in your body will increase.

YOUR BABY AT TWO MONTHS PREGNANT

It’s amazing how much is happening so quickly! The arms and legs are growing and fingers and toes have begun to develop. By the end of the second month, all major body systems continue to develop and function, including the circulatory, nervous, digestive and urinary systems. Ears, ankles and wrists are formed. Spontaneous movement begins, although the mother cannot feel it. The embryo has grown to around one-inch in length but still weighs less than an ounce. It also starts to look more like a person, and less like a tadpole.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR TWO MONTHS PREGNANT

After your initial prenatal visit, your subsequent visits will be shorter. Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus (fundal height) will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. A fetal ultrasound can be performed as early as the fifth week of pregnancy. Fetal ultrasound can be done to predict a woman’s due date and estimate the age of the fetus. If fetal ultrasound is done during the 7th to 14th week of pregnancy, the age of the fetus can usually be determined to within 5 days.

THINGS TO DO AT TWO MONTHS PREGNANT

You should make a list of questions to ask your doctor. Don’t be afraid to ask, no matter how trivial the question might seem. Although you are not yet showing, now is a good time to start browsing for maternity clothes. It’s also the time to start your pregnancy journal.


THREE MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT THREE MONTHS PREGNANT

Your morning sickness and fatigue will still be hanging around for the third month your pregnant. But the end is in sight! Most will only experience this for a few more weeks. Your clothes will start to feel snug as your waistline and breasts enlarge, especially if you’ve had a baby before. Weight gain varies from woman-to-woman during pregnancy. The average weight gain for the mother-to-be is between 25 to 35 pounds. You may have gained three to four pounds by now. The muscular contractions of the intestines, which help move food through the digestive tract, are slowed due to high levels of progesterone. This can cause heartburn, indigestion, constipation and gas. Frequent urination continues.

YOUR BABY AT THREE MONTHS PREGNANT

The baby, now considered a fetus after 8 weeks, and will have soft fingernails and toenails. The legs and arms are now fully formed. The kidneys develop and send urine into the bladder. Genitals have begun to develop, but not enough to determine the baby’s gender. The eyes are largely open by week 10, but the eyelids are beginning to fuse, and will stay that way until the 25th to 27th week. Teeth begin to form, as 20 buds appear in the mouth. Fetal movements increase. The baby will move if touched through the uterine wall, and can also spontaneously move. By the end of 12 weeks, the organs and body systems are fully formed, but will mature over the course of the pregnancy. The fetus now is 4 inches long and weighs a little over an ounce.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR THREE MONTHS PREGNANT

Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. During the 10th to 12th week, the baby’s heartbeat can be heard using a special instrument called a Doppler ultrasound. These fetal heart tones will be recorded at each office visit. If you have a family history of birth defect, or if you are over the age of 35, a chorionic villi sampling (CVS) can be performed between the 8th and 12th week of the pregnancy. This test detects genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. This test involves the sampling of chorionic cells obtained through a catheter placed either through the cervix or the abdominal wall.

THINGS TO DO NOW AT THREE MONTHS PREGNANT

Ask your doctor about forms of exercise, as it is good for both you and the baby. Walking is a good choice. Now is the time to start shopping for maternity clothes!



FOUR MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT FOUR MONTHS PREGNANT

Welcome to the second trimester! You will find your nausea and fatigue have diminished. As a result, you’ll have more energy and your appetite will return. For some women, the second trimester is a wonderful time. The hormonal changes in your body are becoming more noticeable. An increase of estrogen may cause moles and freckles to grow darker. Dark blotches can appear on your cheeks, forehead and bridge of the nose, called chloasma, or “mask of pregnancy.” A dark brown line from the middle of your abdomen to your pubic bone may develop. This is known as the “linea nigera.” Your uterus, now the size of a grapefruit, is shifting upward. Your heart is increasing its output to supply the growing baby with oxygen. By this time, your belly will start to show. It’s time to put on those maternity clothes! You may also develop varicose veins or hemorrhoids. By the end of the fourth month your pregnant, you may even feel the baby start to move. This is more likely to happen if you have had a previous child. The sensation has been likened to a butterfly flutter in your abdomen. These first movements are called “quickening.”

YOUR BABY AT FOUR MONTHS PREGNANT

By this point, your baby moves and kicks. Its sucking and swallowing reflexes have developed and it can even suck its thumb! The baby now produces urine and is actually urinating into the amniotic fluid. The placenta is fully developed. Fingers and toes are well developed and finger prints and toe prints have formed. Soft downy hair is growing on the baby’s head. By the middle of this month, the external genitalia become distinct. All 20 teeth are formed and waiting. By the end of the 4th month your pregnant, the baby is approximately 6 inches long and 5 ounces in weight

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR FOUR MONTHS PREGNANT

Office visits during the second trimester focus on tracing the growth of the fetus, determining a more precise due date and monitoring your own health. Doctor visits will probably be every 4 weeks. Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. Fetal heart monitoring will be performed. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. An amniocentesis may be ordered, if there is concern about a possible birth defect. The maternal blood screening for neural tube defects, often called the Alpha-Fetoprotein Test (AFP), may also be offered. This is most accurate during the 15th to 17th weeks of gestation. A fetal ultrasound may also be performed to evaluate fetal development.

THINGS TO DO NOW AT FOUR MONTHS PREGNANT

If you have felt the baby move, make note of the date and let your doctor know. Take your partner along with you for a check-up to hear the baby’s heartbeat. It’s a great way to share in the excitement of the pregnancy. Start sleeping on your left side, because circulation is best in this position. Lying on your stomach or back after the fourth or fifth month can put extra pressure on your uterus and decrease circulation to your baby.



FIVE MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT FIVE MONTHS PREGNANT

You are showing more now, with obvious swelling in your lower abdomen. Mid-pregnancy aches and pains are starting—lower abdominal achiness caused by the stretching of ligaments as your abdomen enlarges, leg cramps, mild welling of the feet and ankles and backache. Heartburn, indigestion and constipation continue, as well as hemorrhoids. Your uterus, now about the size of a cantaloupe, can now be felt just below your navel. Speaking of navel, don’t be surprised if it pops out by the end of the month. Temporary red marks, caused by dilated blood vessels, may appear on your face shoulders and arms. Your breathing will become deeper and you may perspire more than usual because of a more active thyroid gland. By the end of the month, you will begin to feel fetal movement, if you haven’t already—from “quickening” to gentle nudges.

YOUR BABY AT FIVE MONTHS PREGNANT

Your baby can hear sounds by the end of this month—your voice and heart, as well as outside sounds. It will cover its ears with its hands if a loud sound is made near you. The skin is developing and transparent, appearing red because of the blood vessels below it. A creamy white protective coating, called vernix, begins to develop. Soft downy hair called “lanugo” begins to cover the body. Hair on the head, eyelashes and eyebrows are filling in. The rapid growth spurt is tapering off, but reflexes are developing. The baby can now stretch, yawn and make facial expressions. The baby is moving often, twisting, turning, wiggling, punching and kicking. The baby is now 8 to 12 inches long and weighs 1/2 to 1 pound.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR FIVE MONTHS PREGNANT

Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. Fetal heart monitoring is performed. You will have a routine mid-pregnancy ultrasound, to assess the baby’s growth and development. If the baby is in the right position, its gender may be determined.

THINGS TO DO NOW AT YOUR FIVE MONTHS PREGNANT

Better start looking into childbirth classes, if you haven’t already done so. Now is also the time to start playing around with baby names. Look through your family history and read books. Remember to look at combinations for both boys and girls.


SIX MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT SIX MONTHS PREGNANT

You can feel the baby’s movement more strongly. Your uterus reaches just above your navel. You’ve probably gained between 10 and 14 pounds by now. Leg and foot cramps, backache, as well as mild swelling of the ankles and feet, persist. Vaginal secretions, (clear to yellowish in color) called “leukorrhea” increase. Heartburn, indigestion, constipation and hemorrhoids, dilated blood vessels in the rectal area caused by increased blood flow, continue. You may actually feel Braxton Hicks contraction. This is just the uterus preparing for birth.

YOUR BABY AT SIX MONTHS PREGNANT

By the end of the sixth month, the baby is almost fully formed and is depositing brown fat on its body to keep warm. Growth rate is slowing down, but organs and systems continue to mature. Buds for permanent teeth are beginning to form. Your baby can still move around in the amniotic fluid. Towards the end of this trimester the baby will begin to settle, usually in the head down position. The muscles gain strength and the eyelids and eyebrows are developed. Lanugo hair of the body sometimes gets darker. The baby is starting to produce white blood cells, which will help combat disease and infection. The baby is now 11 to 14 inches long and weighs 1 to 1 1/2 pounds.

WHAT TO ESPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR SIX MONTHS PREGNANT

Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. Fetal heart monitoring is performed. Glucose testing for detecting gestational diabetes is given between the 24th and 28th week. This test involves drinking a sugary beverage, after which your blood sugar level is measured.

THINGS TO DO NOW AT YOUR SIX MONTHS PREGNANT

Start making a list of things you’ll need for the baby’s arrival. Confirm your childbirth class enrollment.

SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT

You’re now putting on weight at the rate of about 1 pound a week. Fetal movements will be stronger and more frequent. Pressure on your rib cage can cause pain, as well as heartburn and indigestion. Backache, leg cramps, swelling of the ankles and feet, lower abdominal achiness, hemorrhoids, varicose veins and constipation continue. You may also feel Braxton Hicks contractions in preparation for delivery. You may experience shortness of breath, as the baby grows upward. By the end of the month, your uterus will extend well above your navel. As the uterus expands, you may see stretch marks. It’s getting more difficult to sleep. By the 27th week, you’re in the home stretch. It’s the third trimester!

YOUR BABY AT SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT

Baby’s skin is changing from transparent to opaque. Bones are becoming harder. Its hearing is fully developed. The lungs are still growing but not yet mature. The baby can now cry. By the end of the month, eyelashes are developing. If you are carrying a boy, his testes will probably begin descending. Brain waves show rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which means your baby is dreaming, and it has patterns of waking and sleeping. Babies born at the 28th week have a good chance for survival. The baby is now about 15 inches long and weighs about 3 pounds

WHAT TO ESPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT

Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. Fetal heart monitoring is performed. A hemoglobin screening, to check of evidence of anemia in the mother, is performed somewhere around the 26th to the 28th week of pregnancy.

THINGS TO DO NOW AT YOUR SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT

Fix the baby’s room or decide where the baby will sleep. Many parents spend the first few months with the baby in a cradle or bassinet next to their bed. This makes parents feel more secure and allows easy access for night feedings and changings. Others have a nursery and use a monitor to allow the baby to wake them up for nighttime feedings. The choice is yours, and neither is wrong. It’s time to start the childbirth classes

EIGHT MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT EIGHT MONTHS PREGNANT

You may feel contractions more strongly this month and your breasts may leak colostrum, a yellowish fluid that precedes milk production. There may be an increase in constipation. Backaches may be more bothersome as the growing baby puts more stress on your body. Leg cramps, swelling of the ankles and feet, lower abdominal achiness, hemorrhoids and varicose veins continue. You may exhibit signs of clumsiness, since your center of gravity as changed. Your uterus now takes up a large part of your abdomen, and is now around 4 inches above your navel.

YOUR BABY AT EIGHT MONTHS PREGNANT

Rapid brain growth continues. At this stage, the baby’s eyes are almost always blue and can distinguish bright sunlight and artificial light through the uterine wall. The baby can hear distinct sounds now, like familiar voices and music. It is practicing opening its eyes. By the end of the month, your baby’s movements will peak. The baby is too big to move around now, but can still kick strongly and roll around. The baby is now around 18 inches long and weighs about 5 pounds.

WHAT TO ESPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR EIGHT MONTHS PREGNANT

Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. Fetal heart monitoring is performed. By your 32nd week, you’ll probably visit the doctor every 2 weeks. A Group B streptococcus swab is usually performed between the 32nd and 36th week. This test involves a culture of the cervix to check for the presence of strept B infection. If the infection is present, the mother is treated with antibiotics. An ultrasound may be performed.

THINGS TO DO NOW AT YOUR EIGHT MONTHS PREGNANT

Make sure you’ve collected all of the necessary baby items—clothes, car seat, furniture and other things you may need. Talk with your doctor about the delivery. You’ll learn the signs to predict labor and how far apart contractions should be before heading to the hospital.

NINE MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT NINE MONTHS PREGNANT

You’re getting closer! You will feel less kicking and more of a rolling or squirming feeling because there’s not much room for the baby to move around. You will have increased backache, constipation, heartburn and swelling of the ankles and feet. The hands and feet may also swell. Your pelvis has expanded and may ache. You may experience difficulty sleeping at night. As the baby drops, you will find your breathing is easier, but your urination will increase in frequency. You’ll feel even clumsier. Braxton Hicks contractions will be stronger, as your body gets ready. Your uterus has grown bigger and is probably up under your ribs, and is pushing everything else out of the way—between 6 1/2 to 8 inches above you navel! In preparation for birth, your cervix will dilate (open up) and thin out (efface). By the end of the 9th month, you’ll probably feel quite large and uncomfortable.

YOUR BABY AT NINE MONTHS PREGNANT

The baby’s arm and leg muscles are strong. Because the baby has much less room to move around, it curls up with knees bent, chin resting on chest, and arms and legs crossed. Toenails and fingernails have grown to the tips of the fingers. Most babies are head down by now, although 4% of all babies will be breech. At this point, the amniotic fluid is at its highest level in the pregnancy. Rapid brain growth increases the baby’s head size. Fat continues to accumulate, turning the baby’s skin color from red to pink. The baby responds as a newborn, opening its eyes while awake and closing them when sleeping. By the end of the month, the baby weights around 6 pounds and is close to 21 inches long.

WHAT TO ESPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR NINE MONTHS PREGNANT

After 36th week, you’ll be seeing the doctor weekly. Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. Fetal heart monitoring is performed. Late in the pregnancy, your doctor will check to see how far the baby’s head has dropped into your pelvis. Close to delivery, you will be checked to see whether your cervix has begun to stretch and open (cervical effacement and dilation). A fetal non-stress test may be performed to ensure the baby is still doing well.

THINGS TO DO NOW AT YOUR NINE MONTHS PREGNANT

Stock the freezer with foods that can easily be popped in the oven or microwave after the baby is home. Pack your bags for the hospital. Make sure you have completed the pre-admission forms for the hospital and that you have a pediatrician chosen for your newborn.

TEN MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT TEN MONTHS PREGNANT

The big day is just about here! For the last few weeks, your uterus may remain the same size and your weight gain should level off—around 25 to 35 pounds. You may not be getting bigger, but you feel more uncomfortable. Backache, constipation, heartburn and swelling of the ankles and feet may continue, as well as swelling of the hands and feet. You may find yourself having to urinate frequently since your uterus is pushing on your bladder. You may experience difficulty sleeping at night, as it’s hard to find a comfortable position. Vaginal discharge may be heavier now and will have more cervical mucous in it as your body prepares for labor. Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and can be very painful.

YOUR BABY AT TEN MONTHS PREGNANT

The baby is making final preparations for life outside the womb. Reflexes are coordinated so the baby can blink, close its eyes, turn its head, grasp firmly and respond to sound. By the 38th week, most of the baby’s lanugo (downy hair) and the vernix (whitish coating) are disappearing. The baby’s intestines are accumulating a lot of meconium (baby’s first bowel movement). The baby’s head will drop into the mother’s pelvis if he/she is head-down. At 38 to 40 weeks, the baby is full-term. By the end of the month, the baby weighs about 7-1/2 pounds and is over 21 inches long.

WHAT TO ESPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR TEN MONTHS PREGNANT

You will be seeing the doctor weekly. Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. Fetal heart monitoring is performed. Late in the pregnancy, your doctor will check to see how far the baby’s head has dropped into your pelvis. You will be checked to see whether your cervix has begun to stretch and open (cervical effacement and dilation). A fetal non-stress test may be performed to ensure the baby is still doing well.

THINGS TO DO NOW AT YOUR TEN MONTHS PREGNANT

Continue learning all you can about labor, birth, postpartum and newborns! If you are having a son, now’s the time make the decision regarding circumcision. Enjoy these last few moments as a couple or as a family. Make sure you have made arrangements for childcare for any older children, if they aren’t attending the birth.