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

Baby’s getting busy! You’ll probably feel a lot more fetal activity as the baby grows larger and stronger. You may still have some of symptoms described in months two through five, as well as an itchy abdomen.

Your emotions may have evened out some, but it’s not uncommon to experience absentmindedness, boredom and anxiety.1

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Mommy-Do List: Things to do this month

  • With just a few months to go, water is still an important part of your healthy routine. To help keep track of how much you’re drinking, fill a 64-ounce container and try to finish by the end of the day.2
  • Are you pre-registered at the delivery hospital yet? If not, talk to your healthcare provider or call the hospital directly to find out what to do.10
  • Make a list of baby gear to buy or borrow.

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Nutrition Watch: Eating right for two

Don’t let the old adage that you’re eating for two lull you into overeating during your pregnancy. It’s true you need additional nutrients to keep you and your baby healthy, but your food intake should only increase by about 300 calories per day. Watch what you drink too. Fruit juice, for example, can add a lot of extra calories, so you may be better off staying with water.2

On the flip side, you shouldn’t put a lot of restrictions on your diet that keep you from getting the protein, vitamins and minerals you need. Eating too few calories can cause a pregnant woman’s stored fat to break down, which leads to the production of ketones. Ketones are a sign of starvation or a starvation-like state, and their constant production can cause mental retardation in your child.6

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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

6 “Pregnancy and a Healthy Diet” www.4woman.gov

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.

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.