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

Strong, regular fetal activity is now the norm, and your baby’s kicks are strong enough to form the outline of a small heel or elbow against your abdomen. You may still have to deal with a lot of the discomforts of the last few months, with constipation and shortness of breath becoming more of a challenge.

Understandably, you’re more eager than ever to come to the end of your pregnancy and begin your new life with your baby. You may be anxious about labor and delivery and the baby’s health, and feel clumsier and more absentminded. Hang in there-it’s almost time!1

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Mommy-Do List: Things to do this month

  • Do a home safety check and baby-proofing.
  • Stock the medicine cabinet with baby essentials.
  • Cook and freeze a bunch of meals for yourself for after the baby is born.
  • Get the baby’s car seat ready and learn how to install it.
  • Water is still an important part of your diet, but if you’re getting bored with the taste, try adding a splash of juice or a wedge of lemon or lime for a little extra flavor.

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Nutrition Watch: Eating right for two

Protein is important throughout your pregnancy, but especially during the second and third trimesters when your baby is growing rapidly and your organs are getting bigger to accommodate his needs.

You should get about 70 grams of protein per day, which is about 25 grams more than you needed before pregnancy. Most American women eat more protein than they need anyway, so you shouldn’t have any trouble meeting your body’s requirements. As an example, two glasses of milk, a chicken breast and two cups of yogurt fill the bill. If you’re not a meat eater, you can get your protein from dairy, beans and soy products.8

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

8 “Protein: Your Body’s Building Block” www.babycenter.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
for Parents

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.