1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 4 Months 5 Months 6 Months 7 Months 8 Months 9 Months Birth 1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 4 Months 5 Months 6 Months 7 Months 8 Months 9 Months 10 Months 11 Months 12 Months 13 thru 18 Months 19 thru 24 Months

Body Shop: How you’ll change

You’re likely to continue having many of your early pregnancy symptoms during the third month. You may also notice additional veins appearing on parts of your body as the blood supply increases. Your abdomen, along with your appetite, will probably get bigger by the end of the month.

On the emotional front, things are still a little topsy-turvy as you swing from joy and happiness to fear and misgivings. The good news is that you’re probably through the roughest part-many women start feeling a new sense of calmness around this time.1

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Mommy-Do List: Things to do this month

  • Water helps carry nutrients through your blood to the baby, so try to get at least eight eight-ounce glasses per day. Remember, though, caffeinated drinks like coffee, cola and tea are diuretics that can make you urinate more, so they don’t count toward your total fluid intake.2
  • Buy or borrow maternity clothes.
  • Rearrange your schedule to make sure you get the rest you need.

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Nutrition Watch: Eating right for two

You may resist the idea of gaining weight during pregnancy, but it’s important to your baby’s growth and development. The amount that should be gained varies from mom to mom, but here are some general guidelines to give you an idea. Your health care provider will help you decide what makes sense for you.

Pre-pregnancy weight Recommended weight gain
Underweight 28 to 40 pounds
Normal weight 25 to 35 pounds
Overweight 15 to 25 pounds
Obese At least 15 pounds
If you’re expecting twins or triplets,
you’ll need to gain more weight-often 35 to 45 pounds.4

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1 “Pregnancy, Month by Month” University of Michigan Health System Web site at www.med.umich.edu

2 “Ask the Experts: How Much Water Should I Drink While I’m Pregnant?” www.babycenter.com

4 “Weight Gain During Pregnancy: What’s Healthy?” www.mayoclinic.com

The information on this Web site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding you or your child's health.

Consult your physician or dental professional if using another fluoridated product.

Helpful Tips
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Baby's First Holiday

Having a new baby in the family can bring extra special meaning to the holidays, but it can also create extra tension as everyone jostles for your little one's attention. With careful planning, lots of communication and a willingness to put your new family first, your holiday can be just the way you want it.
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Weigh In

You usually know instinctively if your baby is healthy, but comparing her growth to "normal" guidelines is a good way to help put your mind at ease. Many babies grow a half inch to an inch per month between birth and six months. In that same period, babies can gain five to seven ounces per week. Between six months and a year, she'll probably grow about three-eighths inch per month and gain three to five ounces per week. It's normal for her to double her birth height and triple her birth weight by her first birthday.

Source: "Infant and Toddler Health," www.mayoclinic.com, August 21, 2009

Shoe Knew?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies don't actually need to wear shoes until they start learning to walk. Going shoeless indoors allows your infant's feet to grow normally, helps them develop strength and lets her experiment with grasping with her toes. If you want to keep her feet warm or protect them from the elements, opt for soft-soled slippers, booties or nonskid socks.