You're
well along in your pregnancy now -- and
hopefully starting to enjoy it. But don't forget to take care of the
essentials during this phase, such as discussing prenatal
testing and getting organized for your baby's
arrival.
- See your practitioner every
four weeks, and involve your partner in these visits. If you haven't
already, ask to hear your baby's heartbeat.
- Try wearing low-heeled or
flat-soled shoes with good arch support.
- Sign up for childbirth
education classes and perhaps a breastfeeding, baby care and infant
safety/CPR class. It's best to complete classes about a month before
your due date -- even sooner if you're having twins.
- Avoid strenuous physical
labor, such as lifting heavy boxes.
- Discuss with your
practitioner the possibility of fetal testing, including
alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), amniocentesis and ultrasound.
- Maintain a regular,
moderate exercise schedule. Do Kegel exercises to strengthen your
pelvic muscles.
- If you're working, start
planning your maternity leave.
- If you're returning to work
after your baby is born, begin investigating child care options.
- You may want to write a
"birth plan," which is your written ideas about the care
you'd like during labor and birth.
- Think about whether you'd
like a baby shower. If so, is it being planned?
- Consider having a doula
(labor coach) attend your labor and birth.
- Note the date on which you
first feel the baby move and record it in your pregnancy diary.
- Talk to friends who are
parents and learn from their experiences.
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