

| |
#November, 1998 |
#February, 1999 |
#May, 1999 |
#August, 1999 |
#December, 1998 |
#March, 1999 |
#June, 1999 |
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#January, 1999 |
#April, 1999 |
#July, 1999 |
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Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
1
Lunar
Month I
Day 1 of your Last Menstrual Period (LMP) |
2
Suggested reading: The Art of Natural
Family Planning, by John and Sheila Kippley. |
3
Trying to Conceive? Read up on Nutritional
Guidelines for pre-pregnancy and pregnant moms. |
4
Prenatal vitamins are a good supplement both before and during pregnancy. |
5
Suggested reading: How
to Get Pregnant, Sherman Silber |
6
It's a great time to consider a preconception
visit with an OB or midwife. |
7
Check out the Trying
to Conceive Bulletin Board |
8
1 week from LMP |
9
Folic acid
and calcium are important now. Try leafy greens and skim milk. |
10
Certified
midwives are a nice alternative to OB/GYN doctors |
11
Family doctors are another choice. They take care of the entire
family before, during, and long after the birth |
12
In 3-4 days, your ovaries
will open, releasing an egg. Ovulation kits show positive 12-40 hours before
ovulation. |
13
Egg travels down the fallopian tubes |
14
A fun night begins the adventure... |
15
2 weeks from LMP
Conception: egg and sperm meet, creating a single cell organism (the zygote). |
16
Zygote divides. A two-sided ball is formed. |
17
Prepare for the psychological
component of pregnancy. |
18
Zygote divides two, three, then four times. |
19
The now 16-cell solid ball drops into uterus. |
20
Fluid enters the ball, dividing it into two - one will be placenta, other
the baby. |
21
Zygote implants
on wall of uterus. Organism now called an embryo. |
22
3 wks from LMP
1 wk gestation
Serum (blood) pregnancy
test may show positive. |
23
Rapid growth - amniotic sac, amniotic cavity and yolk sac are developing. |
24
Morning sickness could set in: your brain might not know you are pregnant,
but your body sure does! |
25
It's an important time to refrain from alcohol, drugs, medications, herbs
and smoking. |
26
The placenta begins to form and blood circulates within it. |
27
Chorionic villi, the tissue lining the placenta begins to develop. |
28
Give in to cues of exhaustion. Your body is working HARD! |
29
Lunar
Month 2
2 wks gestation,
4 wks LMP
Menstrual period
due; home pregnancy test
may show positive. |
30
"Primitive streak" (forerunner of brain and spinal cord) is
evident. Baby's head is now detectable. |
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Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
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1
A groove forms in primitive streak setting stage for three layers of
tissue: ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm. |
2
Ectoderm will form skin, hair, lining of ear, nose, mouth, glands and
nervous system. |
3
From the mesoderm, baby will develop muscles, bones, blood cells, heart,
lungs, excretory and reproductive systems. |
4
From the endoderm, baby will develop lungs, tongue, glands, bladder and
digestive tract. |
5
Next 10-30 days are crucial in nervous system and heart development. Stop
smoking, get lots of folic
acid and drink
a lot. |
6
3 wks gestation
5 wks LMP
Early heart beats. Facial features and lung buds begin to form. |
7
Hello in there! Early evidence of eyes and inner ears. Cynics says it
doesn't matter but singing to baby is fun. |
8
Nerual tube (later known as spinal cord) begins to fuse. |
9
You may experience an increase in vaginal discharge. Contact provider if it
causes burning, itching, or odor. Do not douch. |
10
Tiny buds that will form the arms appear. |
11
Lower limb buds appear. Eyes, liver and digestive system begin to form. |
12
You may need to "pee" a lot now -- it's due to improved
metabolism and your growing uterus. Other symptoms may be: fatigue, nausea, and breast
tenderness. |
13
4 wks gestation
6 wks LMP
Length of embryo measures 4 mm. |
14
Abdominal ultrasound
can detect gestational sac. Come join an Expecting Club. :) |
15
Baby's eye lens pits, optic cups and nasal pits begin to form. |
16
Primitive mouth appears; first
prenatal visit in next few days. |
17
Baby's arms look like paddles. Eat
lots of protein (soy is good). |
18
Length of embryo is now 7mm; Folic
acid and calcium are important now. Try leafy greens and skim milk. |
19
The head is now much larger than trunk. Foot plates present. |
20
5 wk gestation, 7 wk LMP
Ultrasound can now reliably detect fetal heart. Embryo is now 8 mm long. |
21
Oral and nasal cavities forming. Cerebellum and spleen begin to develop.
Choose a provider who fits
your philosophy, insurance, and health status. |
22
Head to rump is now 9 mm. Aspirin, medications, and even vitamins can be
harmful. Check with provider before taking. |
23
Baby's upper lip formed. Exercise and short breaks at work ease fatigue. |
24
Embryo is now 10 mm long. Cramping
is normal throughout pregnancy as the uterus contacts and enlarges. Check with provider if
pain
becomes severe. |
25
Baby's upper limbs bend at elbow; external ear beginning to form. |
26
Digital rays (early fingers) developing. Your hormones may cause moodiness. |
27
Lunar
Month 3
6 wks gestation
8 wk LMP
Length of embryo is now 13-16mm (1/2 inch long). |
28
Unless health provider tells you otherwise, you can have sex
while pregnant. |
29
Eyelids beginning to form. Cute gift: How
to Pamper Your Pregnant Wife. |
30
Baby's tip of nose is now distinct. |
31
He's not making it up: couvade is a
condition causing weight gain, nausea, mood swings etc. in daddy. |
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
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1
Buds of genitals begin. Remember: smaller meals help heartburn;
water, fiber and exercise help constipation. |
2
Baby's trunk is elongating and straightening. You may have concerns about spotting. |
3
7 wks gestation
9 wks LMPLength:
18-20 mm (3/4 inch). Doppler picks up fetal heart beat, except if baby is very deep or mom's a bit
heavy. |
4
Upper limbs longer and bent at elbows; fingers distinct. Baby's anal
membrane now perforated; testes and ovaries distinguishable. |
5
Highly suggested reading: The
Pregnancy Book, by William and Martha Sears. |
6
Length of embryo is now 22-25 mm. If you're 35, ask about chromosomal
defects testing. CVS
(chorionic villi sampling) can be done earlier than amnio. |
7
External genitalia still in sexless state. |
8
Groove for urethra formed; anus formed. |
9
Baby's intestines have formed outside baby (on umbilical cord) because they can't fit inside. |
10
8 wks gestation
10 wks LMP
Length: 30 mm (1 1/4 inch). |
11
Baby is free floating in amniotic fluid; fetus is moving but cannot be felt
by mother. |
12
Baby is no longer an embryo; now begins the fetal period. Yeah! |
13
Skim milk, whole grains, soy products and fruits/veges provide vitamins,
calcium and protein: eat your spinach! Try: The
Pregnancy Cookbook |
14
Tiny phallus forms which could be penis or clitoris; perineum formed |
15
Urethral fold extends into phallus and genitalia now show male
characteristics now if a boy. |
16
Record your mood, energy level, and feelings today. Remember to eat foods
rich in protein and iron. |
17
9 wks gestation
11 wks LMP
Lenth of fetus: about 5 cm (almost 2 inches). Weight: about 8 grams. |
18
Your baby's iris is forming: his/her eyelids will temporarily fuse shut. |
19
Your baby's face now has a human profile and prominent chin. Rest. |
20
Asprin, prescribed medication and even excessive vitamins
can be harmful: ask your provider before taking. |
21
Clitoris in female formed; labia majora formed. |
22
Reduce bladder infections by getting Vitamin C, urinating frequently, and drinking
8 glasses of water daily. Kegel exercises keep you strong. |
23
Glans penis and scrotum formed. |
24
10 wks gestation
12 wks LMP
Length: 6.1 cm (almost 2 1/2 inches). Weight: about 14 gm. |
25
Urine is formed and discharged into the amniotic cavity. |
26
Coils of baby's intestine visible. Remember to jot down your emotions
today. |
27
Fetus is swallowing and absorbing fluids. |
28
Early fingernails are developing. Smile and have a great day! |
29
Suggested reading: Eating
Healthy for a Healthy Baby, Dana and Plotkin |
30
Maternal
weight gain is about 3-10 lbs. You may be able to feel your uterus just at or above
the pubic bone. Try it! |
31
11 wks gestation
13 wks LMP
Length: 7 cm crown to rump (9 cm from head to toe). Weight: about 30 gm or 1 oz. |
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
|
1
Intestines are now contained within the abdomen. |
2
Vocal cords develop: AGOOOOO! |
3
Nausea should be less of a problem; treat yourself kindly: eat small,
healthy meals. Restart prenatal vitamins, if you had stopped. |
4
Minimum daily iron requirement for expectant moms is 18 mg. Try dried
apricots, Total cereal, meat, kidney beans, and leafy greens. |
5
If you haven't already, quit smoking. Each cigarette counts. |
6
If you're 35, you may consider having an amniocentesis. It is
scheduled between 14-18 wks LMP. |
7
12 wks gestation
14 wks LMP
Length: 8.7 cm crown to rump (11 cm or 4 1/2 inches head to toe). Weight: 45 gm. |
8
With this week, you'll have completed one full trimester. Congratulations! Risk of
miscarriage is now reduced. |
9
Using a doppler, you can hear baby's heart. Remember: always wear your
seatbelt (lap belt goes UNDER your uterus). |
10
Pregnancy requires about 60-80 gm intake of protein per day. |
11
Have a cat? Ask someone else to change the litter to avoid toxoplasmosis. |
12
Review your lab work today. Tests included Type & Rh
Factor, Rubella, VDRL (or RPR) for syphilis, cultures for STDs, hepatitis B, urine
analysis and a Pap smear. Discuss AFP test. Best time to do AFP
is 15-21 weeks LMP. |
13
If you catch a cold, rest and humidity are best. Midwife Peg Plumbo says
Robitussin plain, Sudafed and acetaminophen are okay WITH practitioner's advice, but never
use non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. |
14
13 wk gestation
15 wk LMP
Beginning of Second Trimester! Length: 10 cm crown to rump (12.5 cm head to toe); Weight:
80 gms (1 1/2 ounces). |
15
Period of rapid growth begins. Your uterus may practice contracting (Braxton
Hicks). If you have more than 5 per hour or severe backache and cramping, contact
provider. |
16
Don't get scared by Braxton Hicks - your body is just getting ready
naturally. Trust it. |
17
Fun reading: The
Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy |
18
Some moms may feel fetal
movement, called quickening. There is great variety in first awareness but average is
18-22 wks LMP. |
19
Add peas to your salad -- they're a good source of iron and protein. |
20
The uterus is approx. half way from pubic bone to umbilicus. Maternity clothes
maybe comfortable. |
21
14 wk gestation
16 wk LMP
Length: 12 cm crown to rump (14 cm or 5 1/2 inches head to toes). Weight: about 3 ounces. |
22
Limb movements become coordinated. Head is now erect. |
23
Eyes are now more forward rather than to side of head. Slow eye movements
begin. |
24
Baby continues to grow rapidly; adds blinking to its list of refluxes
(sucking, swallowing are others). |
25
Don't sunbathe while pregnant as cholasma (a.k.a. mask of
pregnancy or irregular pigment deposits) can occur on face. |
26
You may feel swelling
in your hands and feet. Increase fluids and rest on left side (kidneys work better in this
position). |
27
Early toenail development. |
28
15 wk gestation
17 wk LMP
Length: 13 cm crown to rump (16 cm or 6 1/4 inches head to toe). Weight: about 155 gms
(4-5 oz) |
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
|
1
Take a tour of the birthing center or hospital. Ask about labor routines,
visiting restrictions, rooming in and/or supplemental bottles. |
2
Hungry? Try bell peppers - they offer a good dose of vitamin C. |
3
Check with your provider if you intend to travel while pregnant; More info
on airplanes
and car
trips |
4
As breasts
do enlarge, often 1-2 cup sizes, invest in a good support bra |
5
Week of rapid growth; your body may have changed: chart weight, waist and
emotions today. |
6
If you're getting an ultrasound, ask if you can bring a video tape. It may be possible
to have a video keepsake. |
7
16 wks gestation
18 wks LMP
Length: 14 cm crown to rump (18 cm or 7 inches head to toe). Weight: about 200 gm. |
8
This is the average gestational age (16 wks) that some moms first perceive
fetal movement. |
9
Baby's body growth is now catching up to his/her head. |
10
Baby's lower limbs lengthening and bones are becoming ossified. |
11
Suggested reading: Seasons
of Change: Growing Through Pregnancy & Birth, Suzanne Arms |
12
If baby is a girl, early ovaries contain early follicles with early eggs. |
13
Ears almost close to their position at side of head and stand out from
head. |
14
17 wks gestation
19 wks LMP
Length: 15 cm crown to rump (20 cm or 8 inches head to toe). Weight: about 240 gm or 8 oz. |
15
You may want to consider your feeding options: breast vs. bottle. |
16
Growth slowing a bit. Did you know? Your baby receives his nutrients 1-2
hours after you eat. |
17
Your provider may routinely order an ultrasound
to see baby, cord, fluid and placenta. |
18
Unless provider says no (due to bleeding or possible pre-term labor), you
can safely enjoy sex and
quiet intimacy. |
19
Heartburn
is common (your stomach is getting compressed). Eat small, frequent meals. Check with
provider before taking antacids. |
20
Multiples can be detected.>/a> Why? Your uterus grows larger than expected,
iron levels drop and mother feels lots of movement. Two heartbeats may be heard. |
21
18 wks gestation
20 wks LMP
Length: 16 cm crown to rump (25 cm or 9 3/4 inches head to toe). Weight: 300 gm or 10 oz. |
22
Your uterus
should measure approx. 20 cm between pubic bone and top of uterus. |
23
Be proud of yourself - you are sharing space with your baby. You are a
great nurturer! |
24
Baby's skin is coated with a cheesy substance (vernix) which protects
against chapping, abrasions, and hardening. |
25
If baby is a girl, the uterus is formed and development of vagina has
begun. |
26
Remember that there is no safe level of alcohol
for use in pregnancy. Quit smoking too, if you haven't already. |
27
Pamper your back - maintain good posture; elevate feet. Be good to yourself
and avoid junk food. |
28
19 wks gestation
21 wks LMP
Length: 17.5 cm crown to rump. Weight: 390 gm or 14 oz. You're halfway there:
Congratulations! |
29
Suggested reading: The
New Well Pregnancy Book, Mike & Nancy Samuels |
30
Keep up with exercise,
despite feeling a bit awkward or bulky. Swimming is wonderful! |
31
Suggested reading: What
To Expect When You're Expecting, Eisenberg, Murkoff, and Hathaway. |
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
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|
1
Register for a childbirth education program or a refresher session. |
2
Parenting is hard! Consider a local parenting class or join an online support group. |
3
Baby may get hiccoughs;
this is normal and fun for siblings and children to feel. |
4
20 wks gestation
22 wks LMP
Length: about 19 cm crown to rump (27 cm or 10 1/2 inches head to toe). Weight: about 1
lb. |
5
To avoid hemmorhoids, increase fiber by eating whole grains, bran cereal,
baked beans, and peaches with skin. Have a glass of milk today too! |
6
Fine downy hair called lanugo now covers baby's body; eyebrows are visible. |
7
The Pregnancy Book by Dr. William and Martha Sears. |
8
Brown fat developed - this specialized fatty tissue keeps your baby warm. |
9
Testes in boys begin to descend; Ovaries in female located against
posterior abdominal wall. |
10
When women become mothers, it affects the whole family's self-esteem. Be proud
of your transition. |
11
21 wks gestation
23 wks LMP
Length: 20 cm crown to rump (28 cm or 11 inches head to toe). Weight: about 500 gm. |
12
Fetuses less than 500 gm at birth may survive but may have disabilities.
With expert care, fetuses between 500 gm to 1000 gm can survive. |
13
Suggested reading: Soul
Trek: Meeting Our Children on the Way to Birth, Elisabeth Hallett. |
14
Baby is taking iron and calcium from you. You need 18 mg of iron and 2 gm
of calcium daily. Try Cheerios and skim milk. |
15
Baby can
hear mother's heartbeat and stomach. |
16
Rapid eye movements begin. |
17
Baby is better proportioned. Start thinking about childproofing your home. |
18
22 wks gestation
24 wks LMP
Length: 21 cm crown to rump (29 cm or 11 1/4 inches head to toe). Weight: 630 gm. |
19
Your care provider may do a cervical check to assess for risk of preterm
labor. |
20
Consider making an appointment with a pediatric care provider. Choose the
one who shares a similar
philosophy. |
21
Discuss pros
and cons of circumcision with your care provider. |
22
Baby's skin is wrinkled, translucent, and pink to red. If you could see
your baby, you could see her bones, organs and vessels. |
23
Suggested Reading: The
Complete Book of Pregnancy by Sheila Kitzinger |
24
Now is a good time to register for prenatal classes. |
25
23 wk gestation
25 wk LMP
Length: 22 cm crown to rump (30 cm or 11 3/4 inches head to toe). Weight: about 700 gm. |
26
Blink-startle responses have been reported when baby hears a loud noise. |
27
Check your uterus; it should measure about 24-26 cm and be about 3
finger-breadths above your belly button. |
28
Baby's bowel contains some
meconium, a dark green tar-like substance excreted during the first few days after
birth. |
29
Stetch marks may appear. BE PROUD: They're symbolic of your baby's road map
to life. |
30
The linea nigra, a black line, might appear from pubic bone to navel. This
normal and will lighten after about 3 months postpartum. |
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
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1
Abdominal
itching is normal; try using olive oil, lanolin, or evening primrose oil. To avoid
varicose veins, try maternity hose and frequent walks to increase circulation. |
2
24 wks gestation
26 wks LMP
Length: 23 cm crown to rump (31 cm or 12 inches head to toe). Weight: about 800 gm or 1 lb
12 oz. |
3
You should be tested now for gestational
diabetes with the glucose challenge test. |
4
Fingernails are now present. |
5
|
6
Lungs begin to manufacture surfactant, a substance that keeps lung tissue
from sticking to itself. |
7
Suggested reading: Woman's
Experience of Sex and Making
Love During Pregnancy. |
8
Uterus should measure about 26-28 cm at this time. Baby's brain continues
rapid growth. |
9
25 wks gestation
27 wks LMP
Length: 24 cm crown to rump (32.5 cm or almost 12 1/2 inches head to toe). Weight: about
910 gm. |
10
Ask a friend/partner to listen to your belly...your baby's heart beat is
detectable against the side where baby's back (a firm ridge) can be felt. Fun! |
11
Be aware of preterm labor symptoms: menstrual-like cramps if more than 5
per hour, "come and go" low backache, sudden change in vaginal discharge, or
leaking of fluid. |
12
Suggested reading: Essential
Exercises for the Childbearing Years, by Elizabeth Noble. |
13
Practice pelvic rocking several times a day. |
14
Some women experience loss of urine during pregnancy. Do 3-4 sessions of
kegel exercises to strengthen muscles. |
15
Suggested reading: The
Expectant Father, by Armin Brott. |
16
26 wks gestation
28 wks LMP
Length: 25 cm crown to rump (33 cm or almost 13 inches head to toe). Weight: about 1000
gm. |
17
Start doing daily fetal movement counting. |
18
If you are Rh
negative, get you're RhoGAM
injection and Rh titer. |
19
Hormonal changes may cause grouchiness to come back - just remember, you're
almost done! |
20
Blood volume has doubled by now; iron requirements are high. |
21
Baby's eyelids open and eyelashes are present. |
22
|
23
27 wks gestation
29 wks LMP
Length: about 26 cm crown to rump (35 cm or 13 3/4 inches head to toe). Weight: approx.
1150 gm. |
24
Baby's lungs are developed enough to breathe air fairly efficiently but he
or she would tire rapidly. |
25
Toenails now visible. Baby likes to suck thumb and is developing a layer of
fat under skin. |
26
Suggested Reading: Natural
Childbirth the Bradley Way or Complete
Guide to the Lamaze Method |
27
Some providers recommend perineum massage daily to avoid
lacerations and episiotomy. |
28
Your weight gain is approx. 15-20 lbs. by now. Chart your weight, waist,
and emotions today. |
29
Notify your care provider of any: contractions, backache, visual
disturbances, swelling, headaches. |
30
28 wks gestation
30 wks LMP
Length: 27 cm crown to rump (36 cm or 14 inches head to toe). Weight: about 1300 gm or 3
lbs. |
31
By using her hands on your belly, your provider maybe able to pinpoint
baby's head, back, and buttocks for you. Ask her at your next visit. |
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
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|
1
Sleeping with pillows under your belly and between your legs relieves back
stress. |
2
Skin is slightly wrinkled and eyes are wide open. |
3
Good head of hair often present at this point. You may want a doula present with you at a
hospital birth. |
4
Vaginal
itching may be a sign of a yeast infection. Discuss any medications with your
provider. |
5
No one deserves to be hurt. If you're being emotionally or physically hurt,
confide in your doctor or midwife. They are trained to help and can connect you to
resources. |
6
29 wks gestation
31 wks LMP
Length: 27.5 cm crown to rump (37.5 cm or about 14 3/4 inches head to toe). Weight: about
1500 gms. Beginning of third trimester! |
7
Make sure that you are pre-registered at the hospital or birthing center
(even if you are planning a home birth).
|
8
Baby comforts by sucking thumb. Grasp is well developed and he may even
grasp the umbilical cord at times. |
9
Fetuses weighing 1500 gm and 2500 gm can survive but can face respiratory
distress, trouble stabilizing temperature and glucose, intracranial hemorrhage, and
feeding problems. |
10
Begin working with your support
person to prepare for labor. Realization, massage, and focus
exercises can begin. Water
birth is an option. |
11
Keep up the exercise regimen. Walking and swimming are good now. |
12
If you have gestational diabetes, seek assistance of a nutritionist, test
blood sugars, and stay with the diet. |
13
Lunar
Month IX
30 wks gestation
32 wk LMP
Length: 28 cm crown to rump (39 cm or 15 1/4 inche head to toe. Weight: about 1700 gms or
about 3 lb 12 oz. |
14
If you plan to nurse and have inverted nipples, check in with a lactation
consultant now. Nursing is hard
but rewarding work! |
15
Baby is able to hear
sound and is getting accustomed to family voices. |
16
Try reading to baby, like the Cat in the Hat. It can be fun to connect
prenatally. |
17
Testes descending from the abdomen, if it's a boy. Baby's brain and nerves
are developing, and directing bodily functions. |
18
Again, be aware of any signs of preterm labor. Some providers do a cervical
exam to check for early cervical changes. |
19
Baby should be head down. Talk to provider about breech
birth or the possibility of turning baby. Chiropractors use the Webster turning
technique. |
20
31 wks gestation
33 wks LMP
Length: 29 cm crown to rump (40 cm or 15 3/4 inches head to toe). Weight: about 1900 gms
or 4 lbs. 5 oz. |
21
Baby's pupil will now constrict if light is shined in eye. |
22
Plan your route to the hospital or birthing center, even if you are
planning a home birth. |
23
Increase in discharge is common now. Be aware that this is not leaking of
fluid. Ask provider about a simple Ph test to determine difference. |
24
Stick with those daily fetal movement counts. When baby is most active
(like when you want to sleep!), baby should move 10 times in one hour. If not, drink juice
and count for one more hour. Call provider if baby hasn't moved 10 times in 2 hours. |
25
Suggested reading: The
Baby Book, by Dr. William and Martha Sears. Talk to your baby today! |
26
Braxton-Hicks
contractions continue to occur but without regularity or pain. |
27
32 wks gestation
34 wks LMP
Length: 30 cm crown to rump (about 41 cm or 16 inches head to toe). Weight: about 2100 gms
or 4 lbs. 11 oz. |
28
Fingernails reach the tips of the fingernails. |
29
Skin is pink and smooth. Baby begins to develop sleeping patterns. |
30
If baby is born now, if healthy, he or she would have an excellent chance
for survival with provision of warmth, respiratory support and good care. |
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
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1
Expectant fathers also have needs; they sometimes doubt their parenting
skills. Support and communication are very important. |
2
Remember you ARE beautiful, womanly and motherly. You may feel bulky but
you are full of life. |
3
Sex can
still be fun and safe, unless there is risk of pre-term labor, infection or premature
rupture of the membranes. Read: Making Love During
Pregnancy. |
4
33 wks gestation
35 wks LMP
Length: about 31 cm crown to rump (42.5 cm or 16 1/2 inches head to toe). Weight: 2300 gms
or about 5 lbs. |
5
Don't forget to get a car seat
for baby. If labor started, it probably wouldn't be medically stopped as baby has an
excellent chance now. |
6
Some cultures have baby showers; others have
parties for mom but wait until baby is born to buy her/him gifts. |
7
Baby is putting on fat and things are getting cramped inside. Almost time
to come out! |
8
Your hemoglobin (iron) is coming back up. Baby is done taking most of the
iron she needs from mother. |
9
Dreams about the baby are common; Fears about baby's health and your
mothering are normal. Read: Pregnancy
is a journey. |
10
Start planning for the postpartum experience. Get some support teams in
place for housekeeping, meals, and laundry. |
11
Lunar
Month X
34 wks gestation
36 wk LMP
Length: 32 cm crown to rump (44 cm or 17 1/4 inches head to toe). Weight: 2500 gms or
about 5 lbs. 9 oz. |
12
The last month of gestation begins! Becoming a mother is a life transition.
Here's some mental
exercises to prepare. |
13
Baby gains weight most rapidly during this month: about 1/2 - 3/4 lb. per
week. Report symptoms
of pre-eclampsia, excessive water retention, headaches, visual disturbance, or abdominal
pain. |
14
Baby settles into mom's pelvis, a process called lightening
or engagement which makes mom's breathing easier; baby's new position doesn't stop her
from kicking and punching. |
15
Make sure that you discuss labor and delivery options/routines with your
provider. Issues could include IVs, fetal monitoring, positions, episiotomy, drugs,
shaves, and enemas. Consider a birth plan. |
16
Dad: Accentuate the positive. Remind her she is beautiful and that you will
both make good partners and parents. |
17
Cervical checks may become frequent, although labor is hard to predict. Cervical
thinning (effacement), softening and some early dilatation may be occurring. |
18
35 wks gestation
37 wks LMP
Length: 33 cm crown to rump (about 45 cm or 17 1/2 inches head to toe). Weight: 2700 gms
or 6 lbs. Earliest date of full-term birth: get ready! |
19
If planning a hospital birth, discuss analgesia/anesthesia options with
your provider. |
20
Suggested reading: Your
Baby and Child: From Birth to Age 5, Penelope Leach |
21
Organize your pediatric
care. Research baby-related
products carefully: even baby
food can be deceptive. |
22
Go home! It's time to rest at home and prepare for birth: take it easy --
you have a lot of work ahead. |
23
Pack your suitcase! Even if planning a home birth, pack a few essentials in
case of transport. |
24
Bloody
show (mucous plug - which is thick mucous) may occur any time now. Labor may not be
imminent, but it is normal and due to changes in the cervix. |
25
36 wks gestation
38 wks LMP
Length: 34 cm crown to rump (47.5 cm or 18 1/2 inches head to toe). Weight: 2900 gms or
about 6 1/2 lbs. |
26
Baby is fairly plump now. Talk about your expectations
of family. |
27
Lanugo hair mostly gone except tops of shoulders and back. |
28
Rest, rest, rest! You'll appreciate why in a couple of weeks. If you're
using a diaper service, call them to arrange for service. |
29
Toenails reach tips of toes; limbs are held flexed. Labor is a process of letting
go of control. |
30
Plan events/tasks for siblings
so they share the joy of a new baby. Siblings board. |
31
Prepare a list of phone numbers - emergency numbers as well as
family/friends to call with your news. |
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
1
37 wks gestation
39 wks LMP
Length: about 35 cm crown to rump (48.5 cm or 19 inches head to toe). Weight: about 3150
gms or 7 lbs. (but could be 1-3 pounds larger). |
2
Vernix mostly gone now. Heel creases present - a sign of fetal maturity. |
3
Only five percent of babies are born on their due date so birth could
happen any time. |
4
Note any passing of fluid; notify your provider immediately (don't wait
until morning or take a shower first). |
5
Rest! When labor starts, you may be up for 24-48 hours. Frequent trips to
the bathroom and discomfort make sleeping difficult. |
6
Levels of amniotic fluid have stabilized. It's exciting. Feel good and be
proud of yourself. |
7
Your baby may be deep in pelvis making breathing easier. Labor may have
begun. |
8
You have now completed 38 wks gestation
40 wks LMP!
Length: about 20-21 inches from head to toe. Weight: about 7 1/2 lbs. |
9
Baby may even wait up to 2 more weeks to come out. |
10
The umbilical cord is 20-inches and will support baby through birth until
the lungs take over. |
11
Testes are in scrotum, labia well developed. |
12
Fingernails extend beyond fingertips. Consider if you want to use
postpartum birth control. |
13
When we Expect the baby. |
14 |
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