Mom Info:

Swelling

During pregnancy your body produces around 50% more blood and body fluids to meet the needs of the developing baby. Slight swelling becomes a normal part of pregnancy because of this fact. As your baby grows, the pressure of the growing uterus slos the return of blood from your lower limbs back to the heart. This causes fluid to settle in your feet and ankles. If you experience any sudden swelling of your hands or face, especially associated with headaches or blurred vision, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are caused when the veins in your legs get weak and enlarge with blood. The veins have to work harder to carry blood back up your legs to your heart. Sometimes pregnancy can aggravate this problem. Exercise will help, and it is important that you do not stand for long periods of time without moving. When you sit, try to prop your legs up to make return circulation easier.

Position of Baby

Your baby will assuem his position during the next few weeks. Your healthcare provider will feel your abdomen to check how your baby is lying in your uterus, Vertex, head first, is the most common and makes for an easier delivery.

Baby's Secure Ride

Although you may feel like it is safer to hold the baby in your arms, IT IS NOT!

A baby needs a safety car seat fro mthe moment the babt takes their very first ride home from the hospital. It is your responsibility to know the proper installation of our baby's care seat. Take the time to learn to proper installation of the seat, harnesses and buckles and how to position them. Find a child passenger safety seat inspection location in your area. They will provide guidance on proper installation and give you peace of mind.

Baby Info:

• The fetus is about 17 inches long and weighs around 4 lbs.
• The baby's bones and nails are hardening and wrinkles disappear as fat begins depositing under the skin.
• Mother's immunity will be transferred to baby to help it fight infection after birth.
• The lanugo begins to shed with the downy hair only on its back and shoulders.
• Babies born during this month are still premature but have a very good chance of survival.
• Many babies are now moving into position. Head fist is the most common and best for delivery.
• All vital organs, except the lungs are mature.
• Regions of the brain develop significantly.
• Baby's skull remains soft and flexible for delivery.

Ideas for Dad:

The decision on how to feed your baby is mostly up to Mom. However, it's very important for Dad to be supportive of the method chosen. Discuss your feelings with Mom and learn together about the pros and cons. Then lend your full support and encouragement for whatever she decides.

It's the third trimester and now, more than ever, Mom needs you. She may complain a lot with the growing discomforts of pregnancy. Listen to her with your undivided attention. Help her relax in the evening by rubbing her back and feet. We've talked about this in pervious months but Mom just needs you to be there for her. As simple as this sounds, it can be difficult at times. Remember that doing what you can for Mom is also your first parenting steps for your child.

If you've chosen not to find out which gender your baby is, you may be trying to guess based on Old Wives Tales. Or, your friends and relatives may be telling you what they think your baby is. Some of these theories can be really fun. For example, if Dad is more nervous, a daughter is on the way. If he's more relaxed, it's a boy. If Dad is getting lots of household projects done, a boy is coming. If Dad isn't doing more projects, it's a girl. If Dad gains weight with Mom, it's a boy. If he stays the same weight-wise, it's a girl. So Dad? What's it gonna be?