What’s happening this week

Your baby…

• your LMC may be able to tell you which way your baby is lying by examining your abdomen.

You…

• reflux or heartburn may be problematic due to the hormones of pregnancy relaxing the valve at the opening of the stomach
• may notice your first stretch marks.

Blooming? You may find that your hair and nails are growing faster than usual, and your hair is becoming thicker – two bonuses of the pregnancy hormones circulating in your body!  This week we think about your relationship with your partner now, and after the baby is born.

Your changing relationship

Few couples go through pregnancy without finding their sex life goes through changes – in the first months you may have found that sickness and tiredness meant you weren’t often in the mood. During the middle months, though, some couples rediscover the romance. If you used to have sex to try to make a baby, you can now remind yourself of the pleasures of sex that’s just for fun.

Some women feel awkward about their changing shape though, and if your breasts are very tender, this can make sex uncomfortable. You may want to experiment with different positions. Even if you don’t feel like sex, you can still be close to your partner through kissing, cuddling, massage, whatever your imagination can dream up!

Think about the future

You and your partner could talk about what you’d both like to happen when your baby arrives. Who will do the nappy changing, shopping, washing, meal preparation and so on?

Why breastmilk matters

• breastmilk is tailor made for babies – it’s free and instant
• breastfed babies have fewer gastrointestinal problems, middle ear and chest infections
• the antibodies in breastmilk help to reduce illness and increase resistance to infection
• breastfeeding may help lessen allergy problems
• unlike infant formula, breastmilk contains the Omega-3 fatty acid DHA, important in brain and eye development
• breastmilk contains all the nutrients your baby needs for the first six months
• infants’ eyesight, speech and jaw development are all enhanced by breastfeeding
• breastfeeding may lower the risk of your baby developing diabetes and reduce the risk of heart disease.

How is your baby lying?

Starting from around now, at your antenatal visits your LMC may note which way your baby is lying or ‘presenting’.

Breech– your baby is bottom downwards; there will be time for your baby to turn for several weeks more yet.

Vertex or Cephalic– either of these terms means that your baby is head down.

Transverse– this means the baby is neither head up nor head down but lying crosswise in the uterus.

The ‘PP’ on your notes refers to the ‘Presenting Part’ of your baby – i.e., which bit would present itself to the world first. Most babies are head down by the time labour starts, so this is usually the top of the head.

Stretch marks

You could notice your first stretch marks around this time – wear a supportive bra to help prevent them from appearing on your breasts.

6 Things You Need to Know About Stretch Marks

5 ways to beat the mid-term blues

If you’re having a down day, try one of these pick-me-ups:

1. go and see a movie with a friend and forget your worries for a while.
2. gave a good old moan to someone who’ll listen (promise you’ll do the same for them one day!) or a good cry – letting out the tension can work wonders.
3. sleep in or go to bed early – tiredness can add to your irritability
4. have dinner out with your partner or a friend – and if you fancy banana pizza – why not?
5. give yourself a treat – a new lipstick, a hair appointment, a massage, a manicure (or all of the above) you deserve it!

Unwanted hair?

Because of the pregnancy hormones, some women do grow excess hair, but it should fade away again after you’ve had your baby. You can pluck or shave it if you would like – remember that your skin may be more sensitive, too! Many women avoid electrolysis during pregnancy just to be on the safe side.