Changes in You
Changes in Your Baby
Classes

he fourth through the sixth months of pregnancy make up the second trimester. Most women will tell you that the second trimester is the best one. Many of the discomforts experienced in the first trimester have gone and your energy is starting to return. Therefore, you are apt to feel more confident going out and mingling with others. As you begin to "show" and feel the baby move inside of you, your pregnancy and ultimate parenthood becomes "real" to you and your family.

The second trimester is one of fast change and growth for you and your baby. It is during this trimester that you can expect to gain the most weight, about 6 to 12 pounds, as your abdomen expands to accommodate the growing baby within.

By the end of the fourth month, you should begin to feel your baby move. It may go unnoticed at first, but by the end of this trimester you will not only feel it from within but also by placing your hands upon your abdomen. This experience will be a highlight in your pregnancy for both you and your partner. Yes, there really is a growing baby inside of you.

During the fifth and sixth months, your uterus expands to about the size of a softball and inches its way up to the height of your navel. As your baby grows, you may experience some discomfort in your groin due to the pulling and stretching of ligaments which support your expanding uterus. As the skin of your abdomen stretches with this new growth, it may feel dry and itchy. Some women also experience a dark line (linea nigra) between the pubic bone and navel. Stretch marks, red lines or indentations may show up on your abdomen, buttocks, breasts or thighs, but don't worry. Keeping the abdominal area soft with lotions may help and the marks gradually fade a few months after delivery.

Your larger uterus may constrict the flow of blood in your legs. This can cause varicose veins and increase swelling. A pair of good support hose and elevating your feet several times throughout the day will help provide better circulation.

Your breasts will not increase much in size during this trimester, but you may notice them leaking a yellowish fluid called colostrum. Placing cotton or gauze pads in your bra can help absorb the fluid and keep you dry.

You may also find that your gums are sensitive, swollen or may bleed while brushing your teeth. With regular care, such as brushing, flossing and dental visits, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Have you noticed your old shoes are uncomfortable? You may step up to a larger shoe size due to the normal weight gain of pregnancy and slight spreading of your foot joints. Find a good pair of support shoes to wear for walking and working, preferably ones made of leather or canvas to allow your feet to "breathe." Find some with nonskid soles and with heels no higher than two inches. There are specially made shoes designed for pregnant women that can help reduce back and leg pain. While at home (or at work if it's allowed), wear elasticized slippers to help soothe and energize your feet.

Just remember that in the end, you will be holding a beautiful baby – now that's a miracle!

By the fourth month of pregnancy, your baby, now approximately 6 to 7 inches long and weighing about five ounces, is completely formed and will spend the remainder of her time maturing. She has pink, transparent skin with a bit of hair adorning her head, and eyelashes and eyebrows sprouting out. Your provider will be able to detect a strong heartbeat and you'll be able to "feel" the new life within you as your baby is now able to sleep and wake, swallow, and move...turning her head, opening and closing her lips, and wrinkling her tiny forehead. Vocal cords, taste buds and breathing passageways have also formed (although your baby cannot talk, taste or breathe yet).

In month five, the growth spurt of the baby truly accelerates. Measuring up to 8 to 12 inches and weighing from eight ounces to one full pound, he can suck his thumb, kick his feet and move his arms. You may be able to tell whether your baby is awake or asleep by his activity!

At the end of this trimester, your baby is beginning to form her identity as her own unique fingerprints and footprints are formed. Measuring 11 to 14 inches and weighing one to one-and-a-half pounds, your baby will make her presence known daily. You'll begin to feel the company of another human being living within you as she kicks and moves.

Even more exciting is that now he can hear you! This is a good time to start practicing your lullabies and reading to your baby. Newborns recognize and respond to the voices of their parents and siblings at birth. One father sang a favorite song to his baby throughout the pregnancy. Soon after the birth when the baby was crying, the father went to his son and said, "It's me, Daddy," and started to sing. The baby immediately stopped crying, relaxed and turned his head toward his father.

Remember to register for the Prenatal Class early so you finish about a month before your due date. For a complete listing of classes and to register, call (256) 341-2111 or go to Wellness Classes online. It's almost time to start counting down to your due date!

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