Second Trimester 

 

Checklist: 

- See your practitioner every four weeks, and involve your partner in these visits. If you haven't already, ask to hear your baby's heartbeat.

- Shop for maternity clothes.

- Consider getting a blood sugar test (also called a glucose tolerance test).

- Try wearing low-heeled or flat-soled shoes with
good arch support.

- Sign up for childbirth education classes and perhaps a breastfeeding, baby care and infant safety/CPR class. It's best to complete classes about a month before your due date -- even sooner if you're having twins.

- Avoid strenuous physical labor, such as lifting heavy boxes.

- Discuss with your practitioner the possibility of fetal testing, including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), amniocentesis and ultrasound.

- Maintain a regular, moderate exercise schedule. Do Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles.

- If you're working, start planning your maternity leave.

- If you're returning to work after your baby is born, begin investigating child care options.

- You may want to write a "birth plan," which is your written ideas about the care you'd like during labor and birth.

- Think about whether you'd like a baby shower. If so, is it being planned?

- Consider having a doula (labor coach) attend your labor and birth.

- Note the date on which you first feel the baby move and record it in your pregnancy diary.

- Talk to friends who are parents and learn from their experiences.

 

Fourth Month: 

Your Baby

The fetus moves, kicks, swallows, and can hear your voice.
The skin is pink and transparent.
Umbilical cord continues to grow and thicken to carry enough nourishment from mother to fetus -- but it also can pass along hazards like tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
Placenta is fully formed.
By end of 4th month, fetus is 6 to 7 inches long and weighs about 5 ounces.

Your Body

Appetite increases as morning sickness goes away and you should begin to feel more energetic.
Toward the end of the 4th month (16-20 weeks), you might feel the faint movement of Your Baby for the first time; tell your doctor.
Your belly begins to show -- you probably will need maternity clothes and bigger bras this month.

Prenatal Care Guide

Visit your health care provider for one prenatal care checkup.
Pregnant women need extra iron -- more than even a good diet can supply. Your doctor may recommend iron supplements.
You'll probably gain about 1 pound a week, or 12 to 14 pounds, during the second trimester (months 4-6).
If your health care provider recommends prenatal testing using amniocentesis, or alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) testing for neural tube defects, they will be done at 16 to 18 weeks.
By the end of the 4th month, the fetus is 6 to 7 inches long and weighs about 5 ounces.

Fifth Month:

Your Baby

Fetus becomes more active, turning from side to side and sometimes head over heels.
Fingernails have grown to tips of fingers.
Fetus sleeps and wakes at regular intervals.
Fetus has a month of rapid growth. At the end of the 5th month, fetus is 8-12 inches long and weighs 1/2 to 1 pound.

Your Body

If you haven't already, you will begin to feel Your Baby moving inside you. Be sure to tell your doctor.
Your uterus has grown to the height of your belly button.
Your heart beats faster.
You may need 8 hours of sleep each night. During the day, take rest breaks if tired. Don't push yourself.
You may get leg cramps, especially at night, if you're not getting enough calcium.

Prenatal Care Guide

Visit your doctor or health care provider for one prenatal care checkup.
Your Baby's growth and weight gain are most likely to be affected if you're still smoking, drinking or taking drugs. It's never too late to quit or cut down as much as you can.
Continue eating a healthy, nutritious diet and drink lots of juice, water and milk every day.
By the end of the 5th month, the fetus is 8 to 12 inches long and weighs 1/2 to 1 pound.

Sixth Month:

Your Baby

Skin is red and wrinkled and covered with fine, soft hair.
Fetus at this stage usually is too small and its lungs not ready for life outside its mother. If born now, fetus might survive with intensive care.
Eyelids begin to part and the eyes open.
Finger and toe prints can be seen.
Fetus continues its rapid growth. At the end of the 6th month, the fetus is 11 to 14 inches long and weighs 1 to 1-1/2 pounds.

Your Body

You may feel the fetus kicking strongly now.
The skin on your growing belly may start to itch.
Your back may hurt. Wear low-heel shoes or flats. Exercise can help prevent backaches. Don't stand for long periods of time.
You may feel pain down the side of your belly as your uterus stretches.

Prenatal Care Guide

Visit your health care provider for one prenatal care checkup.
You may be constipated. Drink more water or fruit juice, eat more foods with fiber (like fruits and vegetables) and get some exercise.
To help with heartburn, try eating 4 or 5 smaller meals during the day.
Do not take laxatives or antacids without asking your health care provider.
By the end of the 6th month, the fetus is 11 to 14 inches long and weighs 1 to 1 1/2 pounds.

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