Mom Info:

Gestational Diabetes

When the body fails to produce enough insulin or produces too much glucose, the level of sugar in the blood becomes too high, which can be dangerous for you and your baby. Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes that only occurs in pregnancy and usually subsides afterwards. Your urine will be tested at every visit and you may take a Glucose Tolerance Test. This simple and safe test requires only that you drink a sugar cola and have a blood sample checked 1 hour later.

High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

Fewer than 10% of pregnant women develop high blood pressure, also known as Toxemia or Preeclampsia. When changes of blood pressure are detected and treated early, the mother and the baby can avoid serious problems. A sudden weight gain or swelling of the face and hands can indirectly signal a problem. Headaches, visual distrubances, or pain in the upper abdomen may indicate a more serious blood pressure problem. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately.

Stretch Marks

Those discolored zigzagging lines that no woman wants to see on her body can be expected right along with pregnancy. Stretch marks may show up on breasts, buttocks, lower abdomen and other areas of the body as well. Moisturizing creams probably will not help because stretch marks are caused by the breakdown of elastic tissue right below the skin's surface due to excessive weight gain. The good news is that stretch marks usually fade and become less noticeable after pregnancy.

Time to Start Getting Ready!

There are a number of educational courses to prepare couples for pregnancy and the eventual delivery of their newborn. Mothers who take these classes report they need less pain medicine and anesthesia during labor and have had more positive feelings about their birth experience. Expectant fathers are more helpful during labor when they have attended these childbirth classes. You should learn as much as possible about the process of giving birth.

Baby Shopping List

• crib
• baby recliner/carrier
• cleaning soaps for gentle skin
• disposable diapers
• baby thermometer
• oil, lotion, soap and vaseline
• rattles and playthings
• portable crib
• blankets
• diaper bucket and bag
• infant car seat
• stroller
• baby towels and wash cloths
• bottles and formula (if not breastfeeding)
• bottle warmer
• changing table
• front carrier
• outer clothing
• cotton swabs

Baby Info:

• From 7 to 9 months, you'll gain the most weight and your baby is growing incredibly fast.
• The baby is up to 14 inches long by now and weighs 2 to 2 1/2 pounds.
• Your baby kicks, stretches and responds to sound.
• The eyelids and nostrils have opened and the baby is able to perceive light, smell and taste.
• The lungs form tiny air sacs called alveoli and the baby begins to make primitive breathing movements.
• The skin thickens and becomes opaque.
• The structures ofthe spin begin to form.
• Your baby's hearing continues to develop and the baby may begin to recognize your voice and your partner's.

Ideas for Dad:

Now is a good time to start thinking about your work shedule when your baby arrives. If you want to take a leave, check with your employer about your options. Your company may qualify for the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Most companies still do not pay for maternity.paternity leave, some do but do not announce that information unless you ask, while other companies have a whole range of benefits. You may have other options available such as working from home, job sharing and/or flexible work schedules. Start your research now and do some soul-searching about how much time off you wish to have.

How is the nursery coming? Not everyone prepares a nursery before the baby arrives. However, if you are planning to have everything ready, now is a good time to start. Paint the nursery (and keep Mom away from the fumes), put the crib together and have fun preparing for this new little family member with Mom. These are a few of the things you can do for your baby while Mom is gestating.

It's 2 am, and you're blissfully dreaming about winning the Indy 500 in record-breaking time. Suddenly, you're awakened by a pregnant woman who is shaking the buttons off your pajamas. You come to your senses (or at least you think you do), sit straight up in bed and ask her if she's sure it's time. "No, of course it's not time. But I HAVE to have some cold mooshy McDonald's french fries NOW or I'll just DIE. Hurry PALEEEEEEZE." Nope, it's not labor...its cravings! She's craving weird things, and you just want to sleep. She's insistent and you know there'll be no sleep until you go. What's a dad to do? Sound remotely familiar? Think of this as preparation for being awakened in the middle of the night by the baby - and you won't have to go to McDonald's for him. Try your best to suggest healthy snacks for Mom but realize at this point, your suggestions may not carry a lot of weight. If all else fails, keep your slippers by the front door and your car keys handy!

It's the last trimester! Go out and celebrate with a special date to shop for something for the baby or a few maternity outfits for Mom. Treat Mom to a foot massage. This isn't an easy trimester for Mom. Dad's support can go a long way to make it easier. Stay involved Dad! You're needed more than ever now.