Your Baby
Your
Baby
Your baby will measure about 14 to 15 inches long and weigh about 2
to 2 1/2 pounds by the end of this month
Parts of the baby are big enough
to be felt by the doctor or nurse when they examine your abdomen
Your
baby can respond to noises from the outside; it may move or become
quiet
It can kick, cry, and hiccup
Its skin is still wrinkled and
red
Its eyelids can now open and close; its eyes are almost completely
developed for life outside
Ridges for fingerprints are
forming
Your
Body
You may have occasional heartburn, especially if you eat heavy,
greasy, or spicy food
Your uterus is now felt above the naval
You
may notice some tightening and relaxing of your uterus--called Braxton-Hicks
contractions, a way the uterus has of getting you prepared for labor
Your
sex drive may increase or decrease; it may change from week to
week
Stretch marks may show up on your abdomen, hips, and breasts as you
gain weight
Your weight gain continues to be about 3 to 4 pounds a
month
Your appetite is good; you have probably forgotten about nausea
most of the time now
You may find yourself dwelling on all the things
that can go wrong with your baby; most women do at some time in
pregnancy
You find yourself getting more and more involved with your baby
as it grows inside you
You look healthy--there is a special glow to your
skin and a sparkle in your eyes
Your Responsibility
Get your prenatal check-up on schedule--even if you feel
great
If you plan to breast feed, find out how to prepare your breasts
and nipples; if you plan to bottle feed, then check on the supplies you will
need.
Take rest periods as needed as to avoid drooping at the end of the
day; try to lie on your left side and relax
Continue to eat a good diet
with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
Start collecting items
for baby's first few weeks of life
When family or friends ask, let them
know what you and the baby will need
Talk with other parents about their
childbirth experiences; if they scare you, write down questions to ask your
doctor or nurse
Take time to talk about how you feel about your body
changing