Professional Documents
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Pregnancy Calendar
2007 www.newbornbaby.com.au
Table of contents
IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE & DISCLAIMER.......................................................................... 3 FIRST TRIMESTER WEEKS 1 TO 12 ............................................................................................................ 4 WEEK 1 .......................................................................................................................................................... 5 WEEK 2 .......................................................................................................................................................... 6 WEEK 3 .......................................................................................................................................................... 7 WEEK 4 .......................................................................................................................................................... 8 WEEK 5 .......................................................................................................................................................... 9 WEEK 6 ........................................................................................................................................................ 10 WEEK 7 ........................................................................................................................................................ 11 WEEK 8 ........................................................................................................................................................ 12 WEEK 9 ........................................................................................................................................................ 13 WEEK 10 ...................................................................................................................................................... 14 WEEK 11 ...................................................................................................................................................... 15 WEEK 12 ...................................................................................................................................................... 16 SECOND TRIMESTER WEEKS 13 TO 26 ................................................................................................... 17 WEEK 13 ...................................................................................................................................................... 18 WEEK 14 ...................................................................................................................................................... 19 WEEK 15 ...................................................................................................................................................... 20 WEEK 16 ...................................................................................................................................................... 21 WEEK 17 ...................................................................................................................................................... 22 WEEK 18 ...................................................................................................................................................... 23 WEEK 19 ...................................................................................................................................................... 24 WEEK 20 ...................................................................................................................................................... 25 WEEK 21 ...................................................................................................................................................... 26 WEEK 22 ...................................................................................................................................................... 27 WEEK 23 ...................................................................................................................................................... 28 WEEK 24 ...................................................................................................................................................... 29 WEEK 25 ...................................................................................................................................................... 30 WEEK 26 ...................................................................................................................................................... 31 THIRD TRIMESTER WEEKS 27 TO 42 ...................................................................................................... 32 WEEK 27 ...................................................................................................................................................... 33 WEEK 28 ...................................................................................................................................................... 34 WEEK 29 ...................................................................................................................................................... 35 WEEK 30 ...................................................................................................................................................... 36 WEEK 31 ...................................................................................................................................................... 37 WEEK 32 ...................................................................................................................................................... 38 WEEK 33 ...................................................................................................................................................... 39 WEEK 34 ...................................................................................................................................................... 40 WEEK 35 ...................................................................................................................................................... 41 WEEK 36 ...................................................................................................................................................... 42 WEEK 37 ...................................................................................................................................................... 43 WEEK 38 ...................................................................................................................................................... 44 WEEK 39 ...................................................................................................................................................... 45 WEEK 40 ...................................................................................................................................................... 46
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Week 1
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Having a baby takes 40 weeks but within all pregnancy calendars the first four weeks, which are the cycle from ovulation to menstruation are also included. Obviously if you have your period at the end of the first four weeks, or earlier you will not conceive. Technically week 1 of pregnancy is calculated from about two weeks before the sperm penetrates the egg. In theory there is no baby, just an egg and a sperm that are separated by circumstance. If you are seeing a pink line on a pregnancy test then you are actually four weeks pregnant.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
For most women, trying to conceive means making a few smart lifestyle swaps -- o. At least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day can help prevent certain birth defects that affect your baby's brain and spinal cord.
GOOD ADVICE
If you have a headache take Tylenol as Motrin or Advil have been shown to thin secretions that help fertilization take place after lovemaking.
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Week 2
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
In the scientific pregnancy time line, Week 2 is the week that you ovulate and the time during which you can conceive. This is the process where the ovary releases a ripe egg into the fallopian tube where it awaits fertilization from the sperm. It only takes one sperm to fertilize the egg but during the act of copulation millions of sperm can be released during one ejaculation. Your baby is just a gleam in someones eye until this process is completed.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
There is no test that can tell if you are pregnant yet. This is because it takes another week for your egg to produce a substance called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This is the substance detected by a pregnancy test. The hCG can be detected via a blood test or urine test. The blood test for pregnancy is considered to be more accurate than the urine test (especially the home pregnancy test kits). Both tests may not reveal a pregnancy until you are four weeks along.
GOOD ADVICE
Once your body starts revving up its pregnancy hormone production, expect to feel more tired than usual. To fight fatigue, go to bed a half an hour earlier than you normally do.
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Week 3
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Your embryo needs to make it through this week or else you will lose it through the normal process of menstruation. This is why most pregnancies are not confirmed until four weeks. At this stage, the embryo is still a ball of constantly dividing cells. By the end of this week it will travel down the fallopian tube where it will attach itself to the lining of the uterine wall. This process is known as implantation.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
If you are trying to get pregnant or suspect you are pregnant then it is time to get a good doctor. It can take some time to find a good ob-gyn, which is why it is suggested that you start now. Keep in mind that you dont have to go with the first one that you see. Whoever this caregiver is you must be comfortable in having him or her guide you through the physical, emotional and financial ups and downs of going through the next 37 weeks of pregnancy.
GOOD ADVICE
This is also a good time to see a dentist and take care of any problems. You will not be able to undergo anesthesia for the next 37 weeks. Additionally hormones that are produced during pregnancy can increase your risk of developing swollen gums or gingivitis so more frequent tooth cleanings might be in order.
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Week 4
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
During this week your embryo is no larger than the end of a pin, however as of this week you have officially entered what is known as the first trimester of pregnancy. This week the embryo splits in two. One half will develop into the placenta. The placenta is made of a special tissue that delivers nutrients and oxygen to your baby throughout your entire pregnancy. The other half of the embryo begins to grow cells that will soon become the site of your babys spinal cord, backbone and brain.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
Although it might be tempting to tell family and friends your good news right away it is probably better to wait until you are twelve weeks along when the risk of having a miscarriage drops.
GOOD ADVICE
This is the week to drop all of the bad habits. If you are smoking it is time to quit. Doing any recreational drugs is also verboten as is drinking until you fall down. If you have any addiction problems talk to your doctor so you can get help with these issues long before your substance abuse can affect your baby.
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Week 5
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
This is the week that your baby begins to develop a beating heart. The embryo is now an entity with three layers, an outer ectoderm which will incorporate itself later as the nervous system, the endoderm (inner layer) that twill become the internal organs and the middle mesoderm which will eventually become the circulatory system, muscles, bones, kidneys and reproductive organs.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
If you own a cat then you are going to have to ask someone else to change the litter. Toxoplasmosis, a disease spread through the feces of infected cats, can cause birth defects if passed from you to your unborn child. If you must do the deed yourself, wear rubber gloves and scrub your hands with hot, soapy water immediately afterward.
GOOD ADVICE
Your hormones are fluctuating so you are bound to be moody. However, did you know about 10 percent of women experience depression during pregnancy -- nearly as many as those who do postpartum? If you find yourself feeling abnormally sad, sleepless or helpless, be sure to tell your doctor as this is a hormonal problem that can be treated.
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Week 6
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
In these seven days your baby will triple in size from the size of a poppy seed to a lentil. The heart will also be beating with a regular rhythm. From now until birth, your child's heart will beat about 150 times a minute -- twice the average adult rate. The fetuss basic facial features will also start to form at this time, including the mouth and the beginnings of eyes and ears. The beginnings of a stomach and lungs will also begin to become apparent if the fetus is examined on an ultrasound.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
During this week you may find it harder to focus on your partner than usual, especially if you are feeling nauseous. However it is important for you to acknowledge how the father of your child might be feeling about the monumentous changes that are about to take place in your life. When you are feeling well this is also a good idea to sit down with your spouse or partner and make a financial plan as to how you are going to handle the expenses associated with having a new child in the house.
GOOD ADVICE
If you are suffering from unbearable nausea try taking ginger tea or nibbling on candied ginger. Taking 75 milligrams of B6 a day can also help quell the symptoms of morning sickness.
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Week 7
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Even though it is smaller than the top joint of your thumb your baby is developing distinct facial features as well as nubs of tissue that will become arms, hands, legs and feet. The brain has also started to develop and the baby has pinpoints for eyes. The baby may also start making small jerky movements.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
Week 7 is when you should make your first prenatal visit to the doctor. During this visit your doctor will ask about you and your partners medical history, check your weight, height and blood pressure and perhaps perform a pelvic exam. You will also be prescribed a pre-natal ultrasound. This involves having your babys picture taken inside the womb using high frequency sound wave. First-trimester ultrasounds are usually performed trans-vaginally because they provide a clearer picture when your baby is smaller and located closer to your vagina. A slender wand that sends out sound waves is inserted into the vagina and the ultrasound image of the baby is reproduced on a television monitor. At this stage the doctors are checking to make sure that the fetus has a strong heartbeat. It is also at this appointment that your doctor will be able to inform you when your official due date is. You will also be supplied with subsequent appointments during which you will be put through a series of screening tests to detect potential health concerns for you baby such as diabetes or anemia.
GOOD ADVICE
Make sure you are organized as it is not a good idea to miss doctor appointments in the near future. Buy yourself a good day timer or calendar that can help you keep track of appointments and also all of the things you are going to need to do for the next 32 weeks to keep your self-care on track.
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Week 8
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Your baby has quadrupled in size since Week 6 and now is about a half an inch long. His or her hands and feet look less like paddles and are now forming well-defined fingers and toes. Joint development also begins in week 8 with the growth of elbows, wrists and ankles. Your babys facial features are also becoming more refined and the eyes will develop eyelids. The eyes themselves will also have pigment. The fetuss key organs, such as the heart and intestines, will also continue to grow and get stronger every day.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
You may want to expose yourself less to situations where you cant control your environment. For instance exposing yourself to a crowded nightclub where you may breathe in a lot of cigarette smoke is not a good idea. This week may not be your best to go out to dinner at a restaurant or at a friends house, as you may not have any control over what makes you feel nauseous.
GOOD ADVICE
Nutritionists say that you dont need to overeat in order to support the growth of a baby. All you really need to consume is 300 extra calories a day and preferably those calories come from nutrient rich foods. 300 calories is the equivalent of a blueberry muffin or a 16-ounce smoothie.
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Week 9
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
This week, your baby develops reproductive organs and digestive organs such as the pancreas and gallbladder. The head of the baby now will tuck down into the chest and the fingers and toes will be growing longer. Most fetuses are about an inch long at this stage.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
You may find yourself feeling less like going out and more like staying at home, tidying up and protecting your child from energies you dislike such as aggressive people, cigarette smoke and stress of all kind.
GOOD ADVICE
If you are still working it may be time to inform at least one other person at your office in case you need to leave in a hurry or develop a health problem.
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Week 10
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
By the end of this week, your baby is officially a fetus. His kidneys, intestines, brain, and lungs are all in place. Your baby's fingers and toes will also finally completely separate into separate digits this week. Your babys eyelids thicken so they are no longer transparent and tooth buds appear in the mouth. The length of the baby from crown to rump is about 1.5 inches.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATION
Your partner may be starting to get the hint that you are less interested in sex than usual. This is because the increased level of progesterone in your body can lower your libido. It may be important at this time to discuss the reason for your lack of interest in sex with your partner so that he knows it is not personal although some women do not experience a falling sex drive.
GOOD ADVICE
Show your partner affection even if you are not in the mood to have sex. Ask for him to touch you by allowing him to massage your back or feet. Letting your partner in on what is happening to you in every stage of your pregnancy prevents him from feeling jealous or left out.
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Week 11
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
This is the week in which your babys teeth really start to grow. His or her bones also really start to grow. The ears will also move from the joint of the jaw upwards to the side of the head.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATION
Your clothes might start to feel a little snug and it may be time to shop for some maternity clothes.
GOOD ADVICE
Loop a rubber band into the button hole and around the button of your jeans to give you a little extra breathing room when doing up your pants. Wear a long top over your jean waistband to conceal the fact you cant do up the top button or pull the zipper up all the way.
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Week 12
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Your baby is now 3 inches long and weighs about half an ounce. The face continues to be sculpted and nails appear on the fingers and toes.
It is around this time that you may feel your baby start moving or wriggling around for the first time.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
As you are near the end of the first trimester of pregnancy this is an ideal time to break the news to your boss.
GOOD ADVICE
Don't apologize or feel guilty when explaining to anyone (including your boss) that you are pregnant. You are entitled to pregnancy leave. Handle the matter like a professional no matter what type of reaction you get.
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Week 13
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Your babys reflexes are beginning to develop and he or she may be responding to stimuli by bending or flexing. This is also the week during which the baby may first stick a thumb in his or her mouth although he or she may not suck it. The eyelids will fuse together until the thirtieth week so that the eyes can develop. The eyes themselves will have a stronger color such as blue or green or brown.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
As you will probably be feeling a little better and more energetic at this stage, this is a good week to tackle your things to do list such as shopping for baby furniture or clothes or planning how to decorate a nursery.
GOOD ADVICE
Getting up from your chair and walking around once every hour can spare you from getting the painful leg cramps that are sometimes associated with the weight gain from pregnancy.
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Week 14
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
This is the week that the babys sex organs become even more developed. A girl baby will develop ovaries and a boy will develop a prostrate. The babys thyroid also starts working and the baby also learns how to suck on his thumb. At week 14 the baby is about 31/2 inches long and weighs about an ounce.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
As you gain weight you may find yourself experiencing back or joint pain. Joining prenatal Yoga classes can help with that. Walking is also excellent.
GOOD ADVICE
To stay hydrated drink about eight to ten glasses away. This can help prevent fluids in your body from pooling and causing edema or bloating.
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Week 15
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
This is the week when your baby first forms a fist. Hair begins to grow on the fetus head and eyebrows are apparent. A fine down, called janugo will also cover the fetus body. The babys skeleton continues to take shape this week, with more bone building and muscle development every day.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
Depending on your age or medical history, your doctor may soon suggest some prenatal tests. The two most common are the quad marker screen and the amniocentesis, both of which can be performed between this week and week 20. The quad screen is a simple. It is a blood test that's about 75 to 80 percent accurate in detecting neural-tube defects like spina bifida or genetic conditions like Down syndrome. An amniocentesis is performed if the above test is inconclusive. The doctor inserts a long, skinny needle into your belly to extract a sample of fluid from the amniotic sac surrounding your baby. Examined in a lab, the amniotic fluid can reveal a number of genetic disorders as well as chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome and neural-tube defects.
GOOD ADVICE
Meditation and deep breathing exercises can help if you find yourself short of breath or anxious about any tests.
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Week 16
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Your babys diaphragm is now developed and the baby may start to get the hiccups. This can make your belly appear to jump up and own. The baby is now between four and five inches long and weighs about three ounces. He has also developed facial expressions and can squint, frown or smirk. In the girl fetus, millions of eggs are forming in her ovaries.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
This week you may be asked if you want to know whether or not it is a boy or a girl. Certain prenatal tests can reveal the sex if you want to know, such as an ultrasound. This can allow you to buy the clothing or furniture to suit the babys gender.
GOOD ADVICE
If you already have a child or two this is a good week to start preparing them for what is coming by telling them about the new baby. This gives siblings plenty of time to adjust to the idea.
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Week 17
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Your baby starts get rounder and fatter. The fetus is roughly the size of a large pear and is almost five inches long and weighs nearly five ounces. The babys skeleton also continues to grow.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
Now's the time to sign up for childbirth classes with your partner! Ask your hospital about its programs or look on the Internet to find information about classes near you.
GOOD ADVICE
Make sure you are drinking your milk. Your babys soft rubbery skeleton is hardening into bone and needs calcium to grow strong.
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Week 18
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Your babys sense of hearing develops this week and he or she can hear your heart beating. The brain also continues to develop cognitive skills and the nervous system continues to develop reflexes. The baby may recoil from a large noise.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
To ease symptoms, you may need to eat five or six smaller meals instead of three large ones. Avoid fatty, fried foods, which take longer to break down, as well as things that are spicy, acidic or bubbly. Dont drink water with meals.
GOOD ADVICE
It is one thing to take classes about baby care and yet another to get experience with mothering first hand. Call up a relative or friend who has a baby and ask to spend the day with her so you can learn more about diapering and feeding a baby.
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Week 19
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Your baby's skin is now covered with vernix, a slippery white coating that protects the babys skin. This week your baby becomes more active then ever as nerve cells continue to develop.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATION
If you are buying big items for your nursery like a crib on the Internet or from a catalogue then this is one of your last weeks to order so that the goods arrive in time for the birth. This is because ordering items like fabric, rockers or cradles can take six to twelve weeks.
GOOD ADVICE
To prevent hemorrhoids and dizziness make sure you drink enough water during the day. This helps increase your blood volume.
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Week 20
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Week 20 is the half way mark in your pregnancy. Your baby should measure about 6.5 inches from crown to rump and weigh between nine and ten ounces. The baby will continue to grow in every way and continue to curl, flex and kick in the womb. It is during this week that the baby starts developing characteristics that would have him or her physically resemble both or either of the parents.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
You may be feeling happy but a little more tired than usual. You might also be dealing with indigestion and back pain. This is definitely the time when you need to be a little selfish and grab a little more rest and pampering time for yourself than you would normally allow.
GOOD ADVICE
To prevent back pain, stand up straight when you walk so your hips and shoulders stay lined up. Sitting with your feet slightly elevated and sleeping on your side in a fetal position with a pillow between your knees can help.
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Week 21
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
By the end of this week, your baby will measure about 7 inches from crown to rump and weigh about one pound. Your baby has developed the ability to swallow but currently swallows amniotic fluid, which is full of nutrients. However the babys main source of nourishment is still the placenta. Your baby's hearing is becoming even better now. In addition to hearing your voice, stomach rumblings and heartbeat, the baby can also hear sounds and conversations coming from the outside world.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
This week you may notice that you have no choice but to wear maternity clothing. You may find it difficult to adjust to the sight of your body in the mirror. Keep in mind that times have changed and that it is perfectly acceptable to flaunt your pregnant body in a tight t-shirt.
GOOD ADVICE
If you rest you rust. Dont give into a tendency to lie around and eat. Even taking a walk around the block every day can help you feel much healthier and energetic.
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Week 22
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
This week your babys tongue forms taste buds. He or she may also be growing lanugo. This is a soft downy body hair that falls off before or shortly after birth. If your baby will be born with hair on its head it also starts to appear now.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
You are just over the halfway point in the pregnancy and may find working more stressful. Moms to be who planned to work right up until they go into labor often change their mind around this time in their pregnancy as they feeling tired and exhausted. If you are planning to work during this time then remember to take it easy and to do one thing at a time.
GOOD ADVICE
The second trimester is the best time to take a vacation. You may feel heavy and uncomfortable during the third trimester. A vacation can help take your mind off of any physical discomfort as well as relieve mental stress. Taking a vacation now is well advised as you will not get another break for some time after the baby is born. Try to go somewhere where there is a pool or a beach so you can do some easy exercising in some water.
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Week 23
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Your baby's lungs will grow extensively this week, even though he or she is still fed oxygen through the placenta in the womb. The timing of this is Natures way of ensuring that the baby can breathe if it is born premature.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
You are getting larger, your feet may become a concern. If you have not done so already put away any high heeled shoes for now and shop for a sensible pair of running shoes that can support your arches properly while you support the extra baby weight. Dont be surprised too if your foot size increases by a half to a whole size.
GOOD ADVICE
Your baby is an aware and feeling being inside your belly at this point so make it your mission to be positive and stay away from unnecessarily distressing emotional or physical situations. Chat with your baby whenever you can as he or she can now recognize your voice.
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Week 24
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Your baby has now developed his sense of balance, so he can tell which way is up inside your belly. His or her tissues and skeleton continue to grow thicker and stronger.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
This is a good week to check how well you are sticking to your baby budget so far and to make changes as needed. Many mothers to be and their partners often find that they have under budgeted when it comes to things like furniture and they need to make a new plan to get them through the third trimester of pregnancy.
GOOD ADVICE
It is not a good idea to sleep on your back if you can help it as this can cut off the flow of blood through the placenta. Ask your partner to check on you every now and then to make sure that you are sleeping on your side.
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Week 25
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
By this week, all of your baby's bones have fully developed, although they haven't finished hardening so they're still rubbery. This week, the babys pushes, kicks, and rolls will likely occur more frequently -- and forcefully.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
You may at this time decide to hire a midwife or a doula. The doula is a person who emotionally supports you through the pregnancy although she wont actually deliver the baby. Many doulas also offer postpartum help with breastfeeding, diaper-changing and other basic baby care skills.
GOOD ADVICE
Taking one childbirth class is better than none at all. Many hospitals offer one or two evening crash courses specifically designed for busy couples so you can forgo the multi-weekly format. These classes are a good way to make your partner feel more connected to the pregnancy.
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Week 26
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
This week your baby becomes much more attractive as it develops thick eyelashes and more hair on its head. The lungs and spine also continue to grow. At this stage the babys spine is about the length of the palm of your hand.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
As the baby kicking or shifting around in your womb several times a night wakes you up you might also find yourself experiencing some bizarre dreams. This is completely normal.
GOOD ADVICE
You may be noticing that your stomach seems quite distended and that the skin is very taut. To avoid stretch marks in the future try rubbing cocoa butter cream or lotion on your stomach every day. This will help your skin retain its elasticity once you give birth.
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Week 27
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
This is the first week of the third trimester! By now your baby is at least 9.5 inches from crown to rump and she weighs just a little over two pounds. He or she will probably gain a half-pound each week for the next ten weeks.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
You may find yourself more assertive than usual. This is part of your nesting instinct taking over. Your urge to protect your young one may make you seem bossy to others. As you are pregnant it is okay to demand that you take that seat on the bus if you need it.
GOOD ADVICE
Eat whatever you want but eat it in moderation. Pregnancy is not the time to go on a diet no matter how overweight you appear to yourself in the mirror.
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Week 28
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
The big news is that after being crusted shut for many weeks that your baby will now be able to open and close his or her eyes. The average weight of a baby at about Week 28 is 2.5 pounds. He probably measures a little over fifteen inches from head to toe (when stretched out.) Your doctor will track your baby's growth during checkups by gently pressing on your belly to feel where the top of your uterus is, also known as fundal height.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
You may have already selected an obstetrician, but you also may want to research for a good pediatrician to treat your baby. The first office visit after a baby is born is usually within a few days of it being born.
GOOD ADVICE
Even if it costs you for the consultation it is a good idea to interview or consult with a pediatrician before you choose one. After all this is the doctor that will be taking care of your childs health.
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Week 29
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
By now all of your babys bones are developed but they are still soft and flexible. You are likely to feel more pushes kicks and rolls then ever.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
As it is quite possible that you could give birth prematurely (although not likely) this is a good week to pack your bag for the hospital. You should also decide who you want to take with you on that day and develop a plan B and C should your plan A for getting to the hospital fall through.
GOOD ADVICE
Childbirth classes are typically offered in a multiweek format (one class weekly for six to 10 weeks or so) or in condensed daylong sessions over the course of a single weekend [or two]. If you're timecrunched, the one-shot-deal is a good option, but go for the multi-week format if you can. They're a guaranteed standing date for you and your partner, and a great way to help him feel connected to all the crazy stuff your body is going through.
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Week 30
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
This week, your babys five senses are now developed. He can now taste, touch, hear, smell, and see everything going on around him. Your baby will continue to gain about a half-pound every week for the next seven weeks.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
People have a habit of telling mothers-to-be nightmare stories to do with labor or birth. If you dont feel like engaging in this type of ominous or negative talk simply ask the person Why are you telling me this? or say, I prefer to be positive right now, thanks.
GOOD ADVICE
If you have a pet now is a good time to train it to stay off the beds, counters and out of the nursery so that it does not accidentally injure your newborn.
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Week 31
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
The average weight of a baby at this week is 4 pounds. The sex organs are also now fully formed. If you are having a boy is testicles will descend into the scrotum. If the fetus is female her clitoris will be fully formed.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
If you're planning to go back to work either full or part time after you give birth then it is a good idea to start thinking about securing the right day care centre, or nanny for the job now.
GOOD ADVICE
To avoid embarrassment, purchase some nursing pads, which you'll need to catch dribbles from your nipples if you are leaking colostrum. There are both disposable and washable versions, and they fit inside your bra.
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Week 32
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
If your baby is going to be born premature it is most likely to be this week. This is also officially the week when a baby is called full term even though it can stay in the womb for another eight weeks. By this week all of the babys organs are functioning except for the lungs. The baby will also start to shed the downy hair (lanugo) that has covered his body for the past few months. Your baby, who at this point is about four pounds, is also running out of room in the womb so he or she may move less or kick less.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
If you are still working consider asking your boss if you can work at home. This can help alleviate some of the physical stress that you may be experiencing.
GOOD ADVICE
Although your baby may be moving around in the uterus less, it is not normal for a fetus to not make any type of kick, flutter or movement for more than two hours. If your baby is very quiet for more than two hours call the doctor. At this stage babies dont sleep for more than twenty or thirty minutes at a time.
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Week 33
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Your babys eyes become sensitive and he or she may need to close them while sleeping in your womb. Your baby is developing regular sleep/wake cycles. It is very common for babys to give a sharp kick when they wake up from their naps. At this stage your baby should also be somersaulted so that the head is against the uterus. This is why you are feeling kicks against your uterus.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
This week take the time to buy a car seat and have it properly fitted. You will need this to be ready for your trip home from the hospital.
GOOD ADVICE
If heartburn is a problem try eating dinner an hour earlier than you usually do.
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Week 34
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Your baby may now be as long as twenty inches, head to toe and weigh around five pounds. This week, the protective vernix (that white, waxy coating that protects the babys skin) begins to thicken. Your baby will likely arrive covered in this, especially in the folds under his arms, behind his ears, and in the groin area.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
This is the week that you need to put together a birth plan with your doctor. This means making decisions about who will be in the room while you are in labor, what you like to drink or eat and what your preferences are when it comes to relieving pain.
GOOD ADVICE
If you are a single mum, consider hiring a doula (a trained birth assistant) to support you during or after labor.
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Week 35
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Your baby should weigh at least five pounds by now. The main job of the fetus right now is to plump up with fat. Ninety seven percent of babies are also turned head down in the womb so they are ready for delivery. If the baby is not in place the doctor may manually try to manipulate the baby to turn in the womb using external massage.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
During one of your upcoming doctor visits, you'll be tested for Group B strep (GBS), a type of bacteria that's normally found in the digestive tracks of more than thirty percent of women. If you do test positive for the bug, you will be treated with antibiotics as this type of bacteria can harm the baby during delivery.
GOOD ADVICE
This is a good week to get a haircut. This way you can look your best in all of those pictures that are going to be taken of you at the hospital!
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Week 36
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
This week your baby develops layers of fat on the face. His or her ability to absorb food through the act of sucking is also perfected.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
Newborns generally need to eat every two to three hours around the clock, and it can be extremely exhausting to have your breasts ready on that kind of schedule. It may be worth your while to buy a breast pump this week so that you can store your breast milk for situations when you dont feel comfortable breast feeding in public, or if you need to have a break.
GOOD ADVICE
It is probably a good idea to wear a sanitary napkin from this week onwards as it is very common for you to become incontinent after a cough or sneeze. This is a normal response to the growing uterus pressing down on your bladder.
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Week 37
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Your baby is fully developed and it is just a matter of time before he or she emerges into a new world. Nobody knows exactly what triggers the big event but when he or she is ready to emerge your body starts releasing chemicals prostaglandins that thin, soften and dilate the cervix. These trigger your uterus to start contracting and push the baby out of our body. You can experience contractions and still not go through labor. A sure sign of labor is having your water break. However, early stage labor can last hours or even days. It is not time to go to the hospital until contractions start occurring about five minutes apart.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
Leave the cell phone at home. You may not be able to make calls in the hospital. Dont forget to bring your camera to capture the first happy moments of your babys life in this world.
GOOD ADVICE
Everyone knows that hospital food is lousy. Pack crackers, canned puddings, apples and other nutritious snacks for you to have in the hospital to keep your strength up.
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Week 38
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
If your baby has not been born yet he or she is probably very happy snuggled in your womb.
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS
During the last few days before you give birth your nesting instincts may kick in. You may not be able to stop cleaning. This compulsion to put every aspect of your life in order is perfectly natural.
GOOD ADVICE
Although your nesting instincts are telling you to clean, paint and even renovate it is a good idea to stay away from any kind of heavy labor. Also be sure not to expose yourself to harsh fumes from paints and cleaning chemicals.
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Week 39
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
Babies that reach week 39 in the womb are typically between six and nine pounds and may measure eighteen to twenty-two inches when stretched out form head to toe.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
If your baby is taking its time to come out of the womb then it is a good idea to make things simple. Eat lightly but until you are full and get plenty of rest. Take a walk for at least twenty minutes every day to keep yourself in shape and minimize symptoms of back pain.
GOOD ADVICE
Many women nowadays are raised to do everything themselves in order to be strong independent creatures. Now is the time to accept all of the help that you can get including allowing people to help you lift things, cook and do laundry.
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Week 40
YOUR BABYS DEVELOPMENT
It is likely that your baby will be born this week. If not then labor may be induced in the next week or two. About twenty percent of babies need to be induced. Discuss your options with your doctor if your baby is reluctant to leave the womb.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
The next few weeks are among the most important in your life. You are now the proud parent of a new baby or even two or three new babies. Your life will never be quite the same as you prepare to care for and raise your beautiful baby. Nothing can really prepare you for having a new baby, except the experience itself
GOOD ADVICE
If you feel depressed, or you cannot emotionally connect with your baby within the first six months after birth then consult your doctor for advice. These feelings could be linked to a condition called post partum depression and need treatment. Remember, always listen to your own instincts, and whatever works for you and your baby is the right thing to do. And congratulations!
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