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

Finally, you’re starting to actually feel pregnant. You may still feel fatigued, constipated and bloated like you did during the first trimester. Thankfully, many of those symptoms will dwindle or go away just in time for a set of new ones.

Surprise! Your emotions are still swaying, and you might be frustrated and self-conscious when you can’t fit into your regular clothes but you’re too small for maternity clothes. Some women feel scattered and forgetful, and have trouble concentrating.1

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Mommy-Do List: Things to do this month

  • As soon as you feel the baby moving, write down the date and tell your health care provider. This can help pin down your due date.1
  • Register for childbirth classes, which you should begin in your seventh month.10
  • Tell family and friends you’re expecting, if you haven’t already.
  • Water can help prevent bladder infections, a common problem during pregnancy.2 Drink up!

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Nutrition Watch: Eating right for two

You’ve heard about crazy pregnancy cravings-maybe you’ve had a few yourself. It’s okay to give in to the urge for sugar and fat once in a while, but for your baby’s sake, try not to go overboard. Here are some ideas that might help:

  • Eat breakfast to stave off mid-morning snack attacks.
  • Exercise regularly to curb hunger.
  • Get emotional support by talking to someone rather than turning to food.
  • Train yourself to be satisfied with small tastes instead of eating big quantities.
  • Make healthy substitutions like those listed below.
Instead of Try
Ice cream Nonfat frozen yogurt, sorbet or sherbet
Cola Mineral water with fruit juice or a squeeze of lime
Doughnut or sweetened pastry Whole-grain bagel with jam
Cake Low-fat banana nut or zucchini bread or angel food cake with fresh strawberries
Sugary cereals Whole grain cereal or oatmeal with brown sugar
Potato chips Low-fat chips, microwave popcorn or pretzels
Sour cream Nonfat sour cream or nonfat plain yogurt
Chocolate Fat-free hot cocoa made with nonfat milk, or trail mix with raisins, dried fruits, nuts and a small handful of chocolate chips
Cookies Graham crackers with peanut butter
Cheesecake Small slices of cheese on whole wheat crackers, or low-fat rice or vanilla pudding5

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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

5 “Five Healthy Fixes for Junk Food Cravings” www.babycenter.com

10 “Month by Month Pregnancy Guide” Sutter Health System Web site at www.babies.sutterhealth.org

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.

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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.