Your uterus, along with your baby, has grown considerably over the last several weeks and is likely reaching your belly button now. As growth starts becoming more regular from now on, you should notice regular changes in your belly bulge. Onlookers are definitely starting to notice the bump you're sporting at this point. The size of your abdomen is still quite manageable this week, allowing freedom of movement, but as your belly grows larger, you may be much more comfortable in less restrictive clothing made from lighter-weight fabrics, particularly in warmer climates.
Pregnancy causes your basal metabolic rate to increase, which may lead to an increase in your body temperature and the possibility of overheating. Make sure you're getting at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water throughout the day and not over-doing it when it comes to exercise. With this temperature rise, you may even have to crack a window at night in the middle of Winter!
If this is your first baby and you haven't already looked into childbirth preparation classes, now may be a good time. It's best to sign up early, because classes fill up very quickly; well before the starting date. These classes cover a wide range of topics, are helpful in easing anxiety and are wonderful for calming worries about giving birth. They may help you prepare for labor and delivery by answering many of the questions you have about the overall birthing experience including breathing techniques, hospital policies and pain management. Childbirth classes also help prepare you for possible labor and delivery situations including possible cesarean delivery.
Usually, parents start taking childbirth classes towards the third trimester. There are a variety of classes geared towards what to expect after your little ones arrives; such as breastfeeding and caring for your new baby. If you're a first-time mom, you may think about taking a breastfeeding class and a newborn class in addition to childbirth preparation. There are even classes available for teen moms, new fathers, new grandparents and also refresher courses for experienced parents, in many areas. Talk to your doctor or midwife at your next visit or call your local hospital about what types of classes are offered in your community.
Around this time, your breasts begin to produce a thin, clear or yellowish fluid called "colostrum" in preparation for your baby's arrival, although it will likely go unnoticed by you until later in pregnancy or after your baby's birth.
Colostrum is the first stage of breast milk that your breasts make, which will feed your baby for the first few days, if you choose to breastfeed. Two or three days after your baby makes his or her way into the world, your mature milk will come in full-force. Some women experience colostrum leaking slightly from their breasts late in the third trimester, but it may occur at any point during pregnancy. Sometimes, women are only able to express a couple drops out. Not leaking colostrum is completely normal, as well. Many women don't experience any leaking until they begin breastfeeding after delivery.
All variations are completely normal and if you don't produce any colostrum during your pregnancy, that doesn't mean you'll have trouble producing enough milk for your baby after he or she is born. If you start leaking colostrum and it's soaking your clothes, try wearing nursing pads inside your bra. You can find disposable ones and even washable cotton ones in most department stores.
