All of us will soon be in this stage of pregnancy (Vindhya- has two more weeks to go right??) :)

Here is a wee bit of information about what to expect:

Changes Your Body Will Experience (mostof us are already experiencing some of these):

Strong and more frequent fetal movements
Lower abdominal achiness which is related to the stretching of ligaments
Shortness of breath
Difficulty sleeping
Braxton Hicks contractions
Colostrum leakage or expressed from the breast
Leg cramps
Backache
Increase in constipation
Heartburn
Heavy whitish vaginal discharge called \";leukorrhea
Varicose veins and or hemorrhoids
Mild swelling of ankles and feet
Occasional headaches, faintness or dizziness
Increase in clumsiness
Comfort measures

Sleep:
Drink hot tea or warm milk before bed
Use pillows to support lower back
Try playing soft background music to enhance relaxation
Warm bath before bed

Fetal Movement:

Any decrease in fetal movement should be reported to your doctor immediately.


Backache:
Practice good body mechanics: squat instead of bending over; let your legs do the work
Maintain good posture
Perform pelvic tilts
Wear comfortable shoes with low heels
Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees
Enjoy a backrub from your partner

Heartburn:
Eat small, frequent meals
Eliminate fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, spearmint and peppermint gum and processed meats.
Never use over the counter medication without or home remedies without your doctor’s approval.

Constipation/Hemorrhoids:
Increase fluids (water, juice) 64oz./day
Increase walking or other exercise that has been approved by your doctor.
Eat dried fruit (raisins, prunes, and apricots)
Never use stool softeners or laxatives without checking with your doctor first.
Don’t strain at the toilet.
Try witch hazel soaks for hemorrhoid relief

Ankle Swelling:
Elevate feet and legs whenever possible
Drink lots of water
Do ankle circles
Do not stand or sit for long periods of time without changing your position frequently. Avoid crossing your legs.

Leg Cramps:
Evaluate your calcium intake (food and supplements) and discuss with you doctor.
Don’t massage; instead flex your ankle and toes toward your nose

Itchy Abdomen:
Keeping the area softened may ease the itch but won’t cure the problem. Try not to scratch. This itchiness is normal as your skin is being stretch across your ever growing stomach.

Braxton Hicks Contractions:
These are uterine contractions that appear during the latter part of your pregnancy. These contractions are the body’s way of \";rehearsing\"; for labor. Braxton Hicks will usually subside if you rest or change position. If they continue, contact your doctor.

Emotional Changes You May Experience:
An increase anxiousness for the pregnancy to be over
Increased anxiety about labor and taking care of a new baby
Begin to examine one’s relationship with her own mother
Excitement, fear of the unknown
Tired of being pregnant
Absentmindedness
Sexual desire may increase or decrease if too fatigued
Be Alert to Warning Signs
Call your doctor if you experience any of the following:

Uterine contractions that last more than 30 minutes (pre-term labor)
Vaginal bleeding
Change in fetal movement
Severe headache
Sudden weight changes/visual changes
Severe swelling of ankles, fingers or face
Abdominal pain
Fever
Leaking or gush of water from vagina before your due date

How Is My Baby Growing?
By the end of the 8th month the fetus weighs about 5 pounds and is approximate 18 inches in length. Brain growth is great during this period. Most systems are well developed at this point, but the lungs may still be immature.

Things to Do Now:
Finish your Prepared Childbirth classes.

Continue practicing putting your infant car it in your car (for those who haven't yet bought the car sear - like you own Avi - do buy one sooooooon :)

Finish purchasing items you’ll need for the baby’s layette.

Practice good posture and body mechanics. When lifting, keep your feet apart, tuck buttocks in and bend at the knees using your arms and legs to lift intend of your back.

Make sure bra and shoes provide proper support.

Discuss your feelings and thoughts with your partner.

Enjoy the last stretch........... Take CAre-Avi
Divya replied. Hi Avi,
That was very useful piece of information.I'm already feeling most of the things mentioned above. (Also a little happy that there is nuthing abnormal with me. ) .

Thanks,
Divya
Simmi replied. Hi Avi. Great info, very helpful indeed. I am feeling some of the stuff already and mood swings are in full swing as well!! Anyways, hope for the best. Thx for the info and enjoy! Avi replied. Hey Vindhya and Ruchika, glad you liked the info....

Thanks Vindhya, yeah I am in the same week as Ruchika (28th) and have most of the physical discomforts mentioned above and I am sure you do too.......

TAke Care and Have a great weekend (Ruchika, have fun with your folks) Ruchika replied. Hi avi,
I am right in this stage. I am in my 28th week. I liked the information. Thanks
Ruchika Vindhya replied. Hi Avi,

Yes, I still have two more weeks. Hope to follow the given advice after that. If you have already entered the third trimester, congratulations.

Vindhya