MONTHLY GUIDE FOR PREGNANCY

MONTHLY GUIDE FOR PREGNANCY

 

 

Learning you are pregnant is a joyous occasion. For the next nine months, you will go through many changes. Although each woman's pregnancy is different, this month-by-month guide can help you plan for some of the changes that may occur.

·  Month One, Two, and Three ·  Month Four ·  Month Five ·  Month Six ·  Month Seven ·  Month Eight ·  Month Nine

Month One, Two, and Three

Your Body By the end of the third month, you may have gained several pounds. You may feel very tired due to hormonal changes. Plan to get extra rest, sneaking in naps when you can and slow down. You should feel more energetic by the end of the third month. You may need to urinate more frequently now. This is common during the first trimester of pregnancy, and again right before your baby is born. For greater comfort, start wearing loosely fitting clothes. See your health care provider by the second month to confirm your pregnancy. Regular check-ups will be scheduled for your prenatal care. "Morning Sickness" Nausea sometimes occurs early in pregnancy and usually goes away after the third month. Although it is called "morning sickness," it can happen any time of the day or night or you may never experience nausea. Your Diet Calcium, Fruits and Vegetables and Water Calcium is very important for both you and your baby's bones and teeth. An easy way to include calcium in your diet is to eat and drink pasturized dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream. Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and bran cereal to make sure your bowel movements are regular. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Your Feelings Talk to your partner about how you are feeling. Ask for help, especially if you are tired. During this time you may be feel overweight and clumsy. Remember the extra weight is preparing your body for pregnancy and breastfeeding. During pregnancy, it is common to have mood swings in your feelings about sex. It is not harmful to have sexual relations during pregnancy, but check with your healthcare provider about sexual activity during this time.

Month Four

Your Body You may notice that you have more energy. Nausea and fatigue may stop. You may also notice that your belly looks larger because the baby has grown. Your Diet During pregnancy, your need for iron increases. To be sure you get enough iron, eat meats, leafy green vegetables, whole grain breads, dried fruits and beans. Childbirth Preparation Classes Childbirth classes should begin in month seven. Register now since classes fill up early.

Month Five

Your Body Changes in your circulation require that you to stand and move often. Continue to do this throughout the remainder of your pregnancy. Your breasts may begin to leak a yellowish fluid called colostrum in preparation for breastfeeding and you may begin to feel the baby move during this month. Your Diet Be sure to eat food rich in Vitamin C. Your body does not store Vitamin C, so it is important to get a fresh supply every day. Good sources of Vitamin C are oranges, broccoli, and tomatoes. Choosing a Health Care Provider for your Baby Before you are admitted to the hospital to the hospital, you need to decide who will care for your baby after the delivery. This is a good time in your pregnancy to start looking for a health care provider for your baby if you have not already chosen one. Talk to your friends and ask them if they are happy with the health care provider who cares for their children. Many pediatricians and family care physicians will meet with you before your baby is born and let you interview them. It is a good idea to select someone that close to where you live!

Month Six

Your Body You may gain 3-4 pounds this month. Your feet may swell during the latter stages of pregnancy. Putting your feet up may help reduce any ankle swelling. Shop for wide, comfortable shoes, preferably with a flat heel. Your Diet You may crave certain foods or find that other foods smell or taste bad, even if you like them before you were pregnant. If this happens, try to find substitutes that provide the right nutrients. Hospital Pre-Registration If you have not already pre-registered at the hospital you will be delivering at, this is a good time to do so. Check with your health care provider or call the hospital directly for pre-registration information.

Month Seven

Your Body You may gain 3-4 pounds this month. You may tire more easily. Again, ask for help. If you work, try to work shorter hours or a more flexible schedule if possible. Rest when you can. Your Feelings Mood swings and increased irritability are common during the last three months of pregnancy. Be sure to discuss your feelings with your partner. Childbirth Preparation Classes Begin childbirth preparation classes with your partner. These classes provide useful information on labor and birth, and what to expect.

Month Eight

Your Body You may gain 3-4 pounds this month. Increases in frequency of urination, backaches, anxiety, heartburn, and shortness of breath occur at this time. Shop for larger maternity clothes, if necessary. You will be growing quite a bit these last few weeks. Your Diet What you eat is still important. If you have trouble sleeping, try drinking something warm and lying on your side with pillows to support your body. Taking a warm shower before bed also helps to relax you and make you sleepy.

Month Nine

Your Body You may gain 3-4 pounds this month. Your stomach may change shape as the baby begins to position itself for birth. It may be easier to breathe now, but you may have to urinate more often. Get plenty of rest! Hospital Stay Make arrangements for your hospital stay. Keep important phone numbers and papers close by. Pack your bag for the hospital, and plan how you will get there at different times of the day or night. Make sure you have everything you will need when you come home from the hospital, such as food and diapers.

 

Mothers love

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my Mother, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.

That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. 'What's wrong, are you well,' she asked? My Mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.

'I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you, 'I responded 'just the two of us.

She thought about it for a moment, and then said, 'I would like that very much.'

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous.  When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary.

She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's. 'I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said, as she got into the car. 'They can't wait to hear about our meeting.'


We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cosy. My Mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady.

After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entrees, I lifted my eyes and saw Mother sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. 'It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small, 'she said.


'Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favour,' I responded. During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie.

As we arrived at her house later, she said, 'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.' I agreed.

'How was your dinner date?' asked my wife when I got home. 'Very nice, Much more so than I could have imagined,' I answered.

A few days later, my Mother died of a massive heart attack.

It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place Mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.'

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: 'I love YOU' and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till 'some other time.'

Somebody said it  takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby....   somebody doesn't know that once you're a Mother,' normal' is  history.

Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the first.... somebody doesn't have two or more children.

Somebody said the hardest part of being a Mother is labour and delivery ....somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten  ....or on a plane instead headed for military 'boot camp.'

Somebody said a  Mother can stop worrying after her child gets married ....somebody  doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a  Mother's heartstrings.

Somebody said a Mother's job is done when her last child leaves home ....somebody never had grandchildren.

Somebody said your Mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her ....somebody isn't a Mother.

Pass this along to all the 'Mothers ' in your life and to everyone who ever had a mother.

This isn't just about being a Mother; it's about appreciating the people in your lives while you have them....no matter who that person is.

Words Women Use....must know this

Fine
This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

Five Minutes
If she is getting dressed, this is half an hour.
Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given 5 more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

Nothing
This is the calm before the storm. This means "something" and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with "nothing" usually end in "fine".

Go Ahead
This is a dare, not permission, DON'T DO IT!

Loud Sigh
Although not actually a word, the loud sigh is often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing".

That's Okay
This is one of the most dangerous statements that woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

Thanks
This is the least used of all words in the female vocabulary. If a woman is thanking you, do NOT question it, just say you're welcome and back out of the room slowly.



Send this to the Men you know and want to help, or to the Women you know for a laugh.