A Guidebook for your Pregnancy Healthy Moms Grow Healthy Babies!!

Dear Prenatal Patient, Congratulations on your pregnancy! Thank you for choosing Cartersville OB/Gyn for your prenatal care. We want to help you and your family to have a healthy and well-informed pregnancy experience. Our first step will be to give you this letter, which explains many of the common procedures, tests, and examinations you can expect in the next months. FIRST VISIT: A complete history and physical exam will be done to determine your general health status, or special problems you might have. We will determine whether your pregnancy is low, medium, or high risk based on standards developed by the American College of Ob/Gyn. A pelvic exam will be done to determine the size of your uterus, and a Pap smear (if needed). We will also do a vaginal ultrasound for the purpose of confirming your estimated due date. PRENATAL VISIT SCHEDULE: Normally, pregnancy lasts 38-42 weeks. The first 28 weeks we will see you in the office every 4 weeks. Between 28 and 35 weeks we will schedule you every 2 weeks. From 35 weeks on, we will see you weekly. This schedule will be altered if you have any problems and need to be seen more frequently. It is very important for you to keep your appointments, so we can closely check you and your baby. Each visit you will be weighed, have your blood pressure taken, a urine checked (as needed), blood checked for anemia (as needed), uterus measured, and babys heartbeat checked. Please feel free to ask any questions that concern you. ROUTINE TESTS: First or Second visit: Prenatal lab work blood will be drawn for Blood Type, Rh, Antibody Screen, CBC, Rubella, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, and HIV screening. 10-13 weeks- First two parts of Sequential Screen (Screening for birth defects) NT ultrasound and finger prick blood sample. 20 weeks A comprehensive ultrasound will be done to evaluate the pregnancy and its progress. *We also offer 3-D ultrasound between 28-30 weeks. This is for enjoyment purposes only, and is not covered by your insurance company. (No measurements of the baby or amniotic fluid are done.) Please talk with one of our receptionists if you wish to schedule this 3-D ultrasound. 16-20 weeks (3rd part of sequential screen) Quad screen a blood test is drawn to determine if you are at higher than normal risk for having an infant with defects of the head or spine, or Downs syndrome. If this test indicates a higher than normal risk, further testing will be recommended.

25-28 weeks: Diabetes Screening because of the serious risks to the baby if the mother has undetected diabetes, we screen all patients at 28 weeks. For this test, a sweet drink, glucola, is ingested, and blood is drawn 1 hour later to determine how well your body processes sugar. If this test is abnormally high, further testing will be necessary to rule out Diabetes Mellitus. 28 weeks Rh Negative patients will receive RhoGam at this time to prevent antibodies from being formed that might destroy the babys blood cells. 36 weeks A GBS (Group Beta Streptococcus) test will be done. This is a test in which the doctor or midwife will do a vaginal culture to determine whether or not you are a carrier of the Group B Streptococcus. 38-39 weeks In addition to the routine prenatal exam, a pelvic exam will be done to determine if your cervix (mouth of the womb) is dilating. 41-42 weeks If you carry your baby past 40 weeks, we will schedule you for a non-stress test to assess the well-being of the baby. This test involves monitoring the fetal heart rate on an external fetal monitor. Depending upon the results of this test, further testing may be ordered. (There will be an additional charge for lab work or specialized tests. Your insurance company will be billed for the procedures). DELIVERY CHARGES: Your insurance company will be notified of your pregnancy, and maternity benefits will be determined. You will receive a letter informing you of any amount not covered by your insurance. A payment plan will be arranged. Please feel free to discuss our fees with us at any time. PRENATAL, NEWBORN CARE, AND BREASTFEEDING CLASSES: Childbirth education, newborn care, and breastfeeding classes are available at the hospital. We recommend taking the classes during the last two months of your pregnancy. If interested please register. Call 800-242-5662, these classes are FREE to you as a service from CMC. MEDICINE: We will give you a prescription for Prenatal Vitamins on your first visit. Take one each day. **See attached sheet for a complete list of medication that are safe during your pregnancy. No other medication should be taken until speaking with us.** ONSET OF LABOR: Please Call when any of the following things occur. If your water breaks or leaks. If your contractions are 5 minutes apart. If bleeding occurs. If the baby is not moving, or If you are in doubt, you need to be seen by a provider. Call the office if any of these things occur during office hours, and you can be seen in the office. If it Is after office hours, the provider on call will call you back.

POSTPARTUM: You can expect to stay in the hospital for 24-48 hours. You will be seen in the hospital by a provider each day that you are there. We will see you in the office 6 weeks following your delivery. AFTER HOURS: We are available for your questions and problems 24 hours a day; however we ask that if your call is not an emergency, please call us during our office hours which are Monday-Thursday 8:30 am5:00 pm, and Friday 8:30 am to 12 pm. This will keep our telephone lines open for true emergencies. If you do get the answering service to page us, please keep your phone lines open for our return calls. Also, if possible, it is best if children do not answer the phone. No medication will be phoned in after office hours. Please remember to call ahead for any prescription refills. Again, congratulations on your pregnancy, and thank you for choosing us to take care of you and your baby during this special time. Please feel free to ask us questions about this pregnancy and your care. Please visit our website at www.cartersvilleobgyn.com Sincerely, Cartersville Ob/Gyn Associates

Understanding Your Pregnancy Trimesters, Months & Weeks

Your First Trimester: 1st Month = Weeks 1,2,3,4 2nd Month = Weeks 5,6,7,8 3rd Month = Weeks 9,10,11,12, 13 Your Second Trimester: 4th Month = Weeks 14,15,16,17 5th Month = Weeks 18,19,20,21 6th Month = Weeks 22,23,24,25,26 Your Third Trimester: 7th Month = Weeks 27,28,29,30 8th Month = Weeks 31,32,33,34,35 9th Month = Weeks 36,37,38,39,40

Managing your weight gain in pregnancy

Weight gain in pregnancy is important, but it is important to gain the right amount of weight for your body. If you gain too little you are more likely to have a small baby (less than 5 1/2 pounds). If you gain too much you are more likely to have a large baby, or health problems such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or varicose veins. Gaining the right amount of weight during pregnancy by eating a healthy, balanced diet is a good sign that your baby is getting all the nutrients he or she needs and is growing at a healthy rate. Eating for two is not necessary. True, you do need extra calories from foods that are rich in nutrients, but generally you only need to eat an extra 100-300 calories more that you did before you became pregnant. (Equivalent to one extra healthy snack). It is important to eat a well-balanced diet. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women should have 3 servings of milk, yogurt, and cheese, 3 servings of protein, 3 servings of fruits, 4 servings of vegetables, and 9 servings of whole grain products each day. To determine how much weight you need to gain, you need to calculate your BMI (or body mass index). BMI is a measure of body fat based on you pre-pregnancy weight and height. This will tell you if you are considered to be at a healthy weight, underweight, overweight, or obese. We can do this for you at an early prenatal visit. We can discuss at any of your prenatal visits, ways in which you can effectively manage your weight gain. Beginning pregnancy at a healthy weight Over the course of your pregnancy you should gain 2535 pounds. You should gain between 1 and 5 pounds in the first trimester, and should put on about one pound every week in the second and third trimesters. Beginning pregnancy underweight You should gain between 28-40 pounds. Gaining 1 to 5 pounds in the first trimester, and try to gain slightly over a pound a week in the second and third trimesters. Beginning pregnancy overweight You should gain 1525 pounds throughout the pregnancy. Gaining 1-5 pounds in the first trimester, you should gain just over pound every week in the second and third trimesters. While you don't want to gain too much weight, you should never try to lose weight during pregnancy because that could harm your baby. Beginning Pregnancy obese You should gain 1120 pounds throughout the pregnancy. You should gain 1-5 pounds in the first trimester, and try to gain just under pound every week in the second and third trimesters. Expecting Twins Beginning at a healthy weight aim to gain 37-54 pounds, beginning overweight 31-50 pounds, beginning obese 2542 pounds.

Where You Gain the Weight

Blood Breast Womb Baby Placenta Amniotic Fluid Fat & Protein Retained Water 3-4 Pounds 2-3 Pounds 2-5 Pounds 7-8 Pounds 2-3 Pounds 2-3 Pounds 5-9 Pounds 4 Pounds

Pregnancy Weight and Growth Chart

My Babys Due Date is: ________________

Gestational Age (weeks) : __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________

Weight: __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________

Blood Pressure: __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________

Fundal Height (growth) : __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________

Questions I Need to ask:

Common Discomforts of Pregnancy

Nausea and Vomiting: Commonly known as morning sickness can occur in 50-90% of pregnant women with or without vomiting. The severity of symptoms varies and usually occurs between weeks 5 and 18 weeks of pregnancy. The symptoms are usually at their worst around nine weeks and are improving by week 16. Even thought it is commonly called morning sickness the symptoms can occur at any time throughout the day. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOUR SYMPTOMS??

Choose foods that have a dry quality and taste bland. Avoid spicy foods with strong odors. Try the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast). Drink plenty of liquids. Popsicles and Jell-O are sometimes easier to tolerate. Several small frequent meals are easier for digestion keep something in your stomach at all times. Drinking ginger teas or adding ginger to drinks can help prevent nausea. Vitamin remedies and other over the counter products Vitamin B6 25mg three times a day. If no improvement then add Doxylamine (Unisom) 1/2 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet before bed.

If the remedies do not work for you, or you are unable to keep down any solids or liquids over several hours, please notify one of our providers.

Aches, Pains, and Backaches: As your baby grows, and your uterus expands, pains in the back, abdomen, thighs, and groin area often occur. Also, many women have backaches, and aching near the pelvic bone as a result of pressure from the babys head, increased weight, and relaxing of the joints. To ease some of these aches try the following:

Dizziness: Many women complain of dizziness and lightheadedness throughout their pregnancies. Fainting is rare, but does happen even in some healthy pregnant women. There are many reasons for these symptoms and include: the growth of more blood vessels in early pregnancy, the pressure of the expanding uterus on blood vessels, and the bodys increased need for food. Follow these tips to feel better:

Lying down

Stand up slowly When you are feeling lightheaded, lay down on your left side Avoid sitting or standing in one position for a long time Eat healthy snacks or small meals frequently Dont get overheated * If you faint, call your provider as soon as possible*

Resting Applying Heat Stretching exercises

If you are concerned, or the pains do not improve, please notify one of your providers.

Common Discomforts of Pregnancy

Hemorrhoids: Up to 50% of women get
hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen and bulging veins in the rectum. They can cause itching, pain, and bleeding. They are more common in pregnancy for many reasons. During pregnancy there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body, which can cause veins to enlarge. The growing uterus also puts pressure on the veins in the rectum. Constipation, which is also a common discomfort of pregnancy can make hemorrhoids worse. Hemorrhoids will usually improve after the baby is born. Try the following to help prevent and relieve hemorrhoids. Drink lots of fluids (Water). Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods like whole grains, raw or cooked leafy green vegetables, and fruits. Avoid caffeinated drinks. Get moving. Mild exercise like walking may help ease constipation.

Constipation: High pregnancy hormone

levels slow down digestion and relax muscles in the bowels, making constipation a common pregnancy discomfort. Try the following tips to stay more regular: Eat fiber-rich foods like fresh or dried fruit, raw vegetables, whole grain cereals or breads daily. Use a fiber supplement like Metamucil or Benefiber. Drink eight to ten glasses of water every day.

Leg Cramps: At different times during your pregnancy you may have cramps in your legs or feet. Usually at night. This is due to a change in the way your body processes calcium. Try the following tips to prevent and ease cramps:
Eat lots of low-fat, calcium-rich foods Get regular mild exercise, like walking Gently stretch the muscle to relieve leg and foot cramps. If you have a sudden cramp, flex your foot toward your body

Shortness of Breath:
As the baby grows, your expanding uterus will put pressure on all of your organs, including your lungs. You may notice that you are short of breath, or might not be able to catch your breath. Tips to ease breathing include: Take deep, long breaths Maintain good posture so your lungs have room to expand Use an extra pillow and try sleeping on your side to breathe easier at night

Swelling: Most women will develop mild swelling in their face, hands, or ankles at some point during
their pregnancy. As your due date approaches, swelling often becomes more noticeable. If you have weight gain that is rapid or significant, or your hands and feet suddenly get very puffy, let your provider know. To keep swelling to a minimum, try the following: Drink an eight ounce glass of water every hour while you are awake Avoid caffeine and salty foods Rest when you can on your left side, with your feet elevated Ask about support hose

Common Discomforts of Pregnancy

Heartburn and Indigestion: Almost every pregnant woman experiences
heartburn and indigestion. This common discomfort is caused by hormones, and the growing uterus. Pregnancy hormones slow down the muscles of the digestive tract, so digestion is sluggish. Hormones also relax the valve between the stomach and esophagus. This allows food and acid to come back up from the stomach to the esophagus. The food and acid causes the burning feeling of heartburn. As your baby gets bigger, the uterus pushes on the stomach, making heartburn more common in later pregnancy. Try these tips to prevent and ease heartburn and indigestion:

Avoid greasy and fried foods Eat six to eight small meals instead of three large meals Dont gain more than recommended amount of weight Eat slowly Dont go to bed immediately after eating, eat your last meal a couple of hours before lying down

Tingling and Itching: Tingling and numbness of the fingers and a feeling of swelling in the hands are
common during pregnancy. These symptoms are due to swelling of tissues in the narrow passages in your wrists, and they should disappear after the birth of the baby Around 20% of women feel itchy during pregnancy. Usually on the abdomen, but it can occur on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Hormones and stretching skin are to blame for most of the discomfort. Try the following to feel better: Use thick moisturizing creams instead of lotion Use mild/gentle soaps Avoid hot showers or baths that can dry your skin Avoid itchy fabrics and clothes Try not to get over-heated. Heat can make the itching worse * Rarely, itching can be a sign of a serious condition called cholestasis of pregnancy. If you have nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice, or fatigue with itching, notify your provider. *

Sleep Troubles: You may feel tired, even if you have had a lot of sleep. Many women find they are particularly tired in the first trimester. This is normal, and is your bodys way of telling you that you need more rest.
In the second trimester, tiredness is usually replaced with a feeling of well being and energy. But, often in the third trimester, exhaustion sets in again. As your baby grows, sleeping may become more difficult. Often, the baby moving, trips to the bathroom, or leg cramps interrupt your sleep. Try the following tips to help you sleep better. When you are tired, if possible get some rest

Try to get about eight hours of sleep every night, and a short nap during the day If you feel stressed, try to find ways to relax

Sleep on your left side. This will relieve pressure on blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the baby

Medications safe during pregnancy

HeartburnTums, Rolaids, Tagamet, Zantac, Maalox, Mylanta, Prevacid DiarrheaKaopectate or Immodium ConstipationColace (over the counter), Metamucil, Citrucel, Fruit Juices PainAny Tylenol product Cold MedicineSudafed, Actifed, Tylenol Cold/Sinus, Claritin, Mucinex, Benadryl CoughAny Robitussin Product SleepTylenol PM, Benadryl Sore ThroatChloraseptic Spray, Warm Salt Water, Any Lozenges

What you need to know about Fish and Seafood

Fish and shell fish are an important part of a healthy diet. They are high in protein, low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids. Nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of Mercury. For most people the risk from Mercury by eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern. Yet some fish may contain higher levels that should not be eaten by pregnant or nursing mothers, women that want to become pregnant, and young children. These are the FDA Guidelines: Do not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury. Eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish or shell fish that are lower in mercury. Shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Albacore tuna is higher in mercury than canned light tuna so limit to 6 ounces a week. Check local advisories about the safety of fish caught in local lakes, rivers, and coastal area. If no advise is given limit to 6 ounces a week.

And now a few words about the Flu

If you're pregnant, a flu shot is your best protection against serious illness from the flu.
The flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in women who are not pregnant. Changes during pregnancy make pregnant women more prone to severe illness from flu, causing hospitalizations or even death. Pregnant women with the flu also have a greater chance for serious problems for their unborn baby, including miscarriage or preterm birth. Getting a flu shot is the first and most important step in protecting against flu. The flu shot given during pregnancy has been shown to protect both the mother and her baby (up to 6 months old) from flu. (The nasal spray vaccine should not be given to women who are pregnant.)

Everyday Prevention
Everyday preventive actions are steps that people can take to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory illness, like flu. These include the following personal and community actions: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. This will block the spread of droplet from your mouth or nose that could contain germs. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you or your child gets sick with a respiratory illness, like flu, limit contact with others as much as possible to help prevent spreading illness. Stay home (or keep your child home) for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to seek medical care or for other necessities. Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine. If an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs, follow public health advice. This may include information about how to increase distance between people and other measures.

Early Treatment is Important for Pregnant Women

If you get sick with flu-like symptoms call your doctor right away. If needed, the doctor will prescribe an antiviral medicine that treats the flu. Having a fever caused by flu infection or other infections early in pregnancy can lead to birth defects in an unborn child. Pregnant women who get a fever should treat their fever with Tylenol (or store brand equivalent) and contact their doctor as soon as possible.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

If you have any of these signs, call your Health Care Providers office right away, for a true emergency call 911

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen Sudden dizziness Confusion Severe or persistent vomiting High fever that is not responding to Tylenol

Congratulations!
You have begun a magnificent journey.
We want to be the first to welcome you to parenthood. Your pregnancy is an exciting time for you and your family. You have many different feelings at this time. And all of those feelings are changing moment by moment and they are all incredibly normal. Your pregnancy calculations began with your last period, some of the timing may seem a little strange to you as we discuss where you are in your pregnancy. A pregnancy is typically 3842 weeks from you last period, not from the conception as is commonly thought.

Week by Week Week 5Your baby hasnt grown much, its about 0.05 inches long. The heart, brain, spinal cord, muscles, and bones are beginning to develop. The placenta and amniotic sac are still forming also. Week 6Your baby is about the size of a BB pellet, about 0.08 to 0.16 inches long, from the top of the head to the bottom of the buttocks. Eyes, arms, and leg buds are starting to form. Week 7Your baby has grown a great deal this week, to about 0.44 to 0.52 inches. The neural tube that forms the brain and spinal cord is growing. Eyes, nostrils, heart, lungs, intestines, and appendix are becoming more developed. Week 8Your baby is now about the size of a grape, 0.56 to 0.8 inches from crown to rump. Eyelid folds and ears are starting to form and the nose is noticeable. The arms now bend at the elbow. Fingers and toes are becoming notched.

Finishing the First Trimester Weeks 913

Week 9Your baby is about the size of a strawberry. Your baby now moves its body, arms, and legs but you wont be able to feel it yet. Your waist may be thickening but if you havent told them people will not know you are pregnant. You may be having some food cravings, or foods that you no longer desire to eat. You may also have heartburn, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Moodiness and weepiness is not uncommon. Be sure you are taking your prenatal vitamins and eating plenty of foods rich in calcium (milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli, and sardines) to help with the development of your babies bones and teeth. Week 11Your baby is about the size of a large lime. The swooshing sound of a heartbeat can usually be heard through a Doppler. The baby is swallowing and kicking, although you still wont be able to feel it. Your uterus is large enough to reach the top of your pelvis and may be felt in you lower abdomen. You may have noticed some changes to your skin, hair, and nails. You may notice bleeding from your gums while brushing or flossing, this is caused by the increased blood volume with pregnancy and is not a reason to stop brushing or flossing. These practices help protect you from bacteria that can cause preterm labor. Within the next few weeks you may be scheduled for the first two parts of your birth defects screening. This test involves a brief ultrasound called a nuchal translucency to look at and measure the fold on the babies neck and a finger stick to collect a small amount of blood to look for substances that can be a signal to look more in depth for birth defects. This is not a test that says your baby has a problem, just that more testing is needed. The final part of this test will be completed with a blood sample in a few weeks. Week 13Your baby is about the size of a peach. The head is still larger than the body, but the rest of the body is catching up. The baby has developed to where it looks more like what we are more familiar with. The nausea and vomiting should be starting to improve. You may be able to feel the smooth round ball that is your uterus in your lower abdomen. Dad may be feeling a little left out since he cant experience the physical changes you are feeling. Try to make special time to discuss your excitement, worries, dreams, and involvement.

Your Second Trimester

Weeks 1417 Your 4th month
Week 14Your baby measures 3.2 to 4.1 inches from crown to rump now and weighs almost an ounce. Facial features and unique fingerprints are all there. Your baby is beginning to respond to things you do. If your abdomen is pushed, the baby will try to wiggle away. Constipation may be a problem for you now and throughout the pregnancy. If so, you can help by exercising moderately, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating food high in fiber like raw vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Week 15Your baby is now 4.1 to 4.5 inches from crown to rump and weighs about 1.75 ounces. About the size of an orange. Its body is covered with fine hair called lanugo, which is shed before birth usually. Eyebrows and hair on the top of the head are beginning to grow. He or she may suck his/her thumb. You may be able to feel your uterus 3 to 4 inches below your bellybutton. Now is a good time to start learning to sleep on your side because circulation to the baby is best that way.

Week 16The baby is still growing and is now 4.3 to 4.6 inches long and weighs about 2.8 ounces. Fingernails are well formed, arms and legs are moving, fingers and toes are well defined. Your baby can stretch, yawn, and make faces. You may start to feel tiny bubbling sensations when your baby moves, this is called quickening. You are probably wearing maternity clothes now. Your uterus weighs about 8.75 ounces. You may be having nosebleeds from the increased blood volume. You may not have to urinate as often since the uterus is shifted upward. Week 17The baby now weighs about 3.5 ounces and is 4.4 to 4.8 inches from crown to rump. Fat is beginning to form, helping the babys heat production. The lungs, circulatory, and urinary systems are working. You have probably gained between 5 to 10 pounds and your appetite is better. Get up slowly to prevent dizziness and fainting. If you feel faint sit down and lower your head or lie down for a few minutes.

Weeks 18 to 21 ~ Your 5th month

Week 18 Your baby is now 5 to 5.6 inches from crown to rump and weighs 5.25 ounces. Congratulations you have just helped your baby through her first growth spurt. Taste buds are developing and can distinguish between sweet and bitter. Your baby may get hiccups. Your uterus is about the size of a cantaloupe and can be felt at about your waistline. Around this time, stronger fetal movements and a thinning uterus will enable you to begin feeling the babys movement.

Weeks 19-21: Rapid growth of the babys body continues. By the end of the 21st week the legs reach their total length, and toenails develop. The eyelids remain fused. The baby is able to move freely in the uterus. By the end of the month the babys skin is covered with a substance called vernix caseosa, which is a cheesy substance that protects the babys delicate skin from the amniotic fluid (water) it is living in! By the end of the month the average length is 6.5 inches and average weight is almost 1 pound or 500 grams.

Weeks 22 to 26 ~ Your 6th Month

Your baby can now hear your conversations more clearly than before!. When you talk, read, or sing, expect him/her to hear you. Eyelids and eyebrows are fully formed. Fingernails have grown to the end of the fingers. Your baby's brain has entered a stage of rapid growth! Be prepared for all those why questions!! Brain development continues at a rapid pace until about the age of 5! If your baby is male his testes begin their descent to the scrotum. Hair Growth is prominent during this month, the entire body is covered with a fine hair called lanugo. Eyelashes, eyebrows, and head hair are present.

By the end of the sixth month your baby may weigh around 2 pounds and be 14 inches in length! Air sacs in the lungs are forming and the lungs begin to secrete surfactant, without it the fetal lungs would stick together and would not be able to expand after the baby is born. Your babys eyes are opening and beginning to blink!

Your 3rd Trimester

Your 7th Month ~ Weeks 27 to 30
Week 27 ~ He/She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his/her eyes, and perhaps even sucking his/her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. His/her her lungs are still very immature. Week 28 & 29 ~ Your babys eyesight is developing. Body fat is beginning to accumulate in preparation for life in the outside world! Muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and the head is continuing to grow to accommodate the growing brain! Week 30 ~ By now your baby weighs almost 3 pounds and is approximately 15.5 inches long. Eyesight is continuing to develop, but it is not very keen. After birth he/she will keep them closed much of the day. His/her vision will be 20/400 at birth, meaning that objects can only be seen a few inches from his/her face.

Your 8th Month ~ Weeks 31 to 35

Weeks 31 & 32 ~ Fat is continuing to accumulate, and is smoothing out the wrinkly skin. Your babys kicks and somersaults may be keeping you awake at night! Weeks 33 to 35 ~ The body is rounder, and the arms and legs take on a somewhat chubby appearance. The hair is longer and the toenails have reached the end of the toes. In boys the left testicle has usually descended into the scrotum. By the end of the 35th week your baby weighs around 5.5 pounds and is about 18 inches long. The babys increasing size makes it more snug in your womb. As a result he/she may not be doing somersaults anymore and movement may be more subtle. However, the number of movements or kicks should be the same.

The End is in Sight. Your 9th Month!!! Weeks 36 to 40+

Weeks 36 ~ Your baby is still packing on the pounds at an approximate rate of 1 ounce a day. He/she is beginning to shed the vernix and lanugo that is covering the skin. Most likely the baby is in a head down position for birth. Week 37 to 40 ~ Congratulations! Your baby is full term! During these last few weeks, full growth and development are attained. Mammary glands protrude in both boys and girls, in boys both testicles have usually descended into the scrotum. The lanugo has disappeared from most of the body. Fingernails and toenails have grown beyond the ends of the fingers and toes. The babys weight at birth depends on a number of variables, the average weight of a newborn at term is 7.5 pounds.

A Few Words about Labor The end of your pregnancy can be tough. Your growing belly can cause aches and pains that make it difficult to wait for the arrival of the baby. Not only are you uncomfortable, but also you are just so anxious to finally meet your little one and hold your bundle of joy for the very first time!! Keep in mind that even though the baby is considered to be full term, growth and development of the brain, lungs, and other vital organs is still taking place. The vast majority of the time, your body has an amazing way of knowing when it is time to give birth. Be patient.. Labor will come!! In certain situations, an induction of labor may be necessary. If you have gone too far beyond your due date, or if there is a medical reason, an induction may be an option. If any of these things occur, we will discuss it with you further. Most of the time, if a womans body is allowed to do what it does naturally, labor will occur on its own, with less chance of complications.