Planning Ahead

If you have not looked into childbirth classes now would be a good time to find out your options. Most large cities have different options so you should be able to find one that meets your schedule. These classes are invaluable to some first time mothers when it comes time for childbirth. It is also a good way to get the daddy involved in the process and help him cope with the big day as well. Having a baby can be highly stressful on a man emotionally - and some men even suffer along with you physically!

Look at You Now:

Lower abdomen discomfort is not uncommon as the belly extends further and the ligaments are stretched. Of course, you may be used to this by now if you have felt it all along!

Your center of gravity will start to change as you get further along, so it is important to watch your movements cautiously. If you are exercising, be very careful because even walking up hills without feeling you might fall over can be tricky. You can still get a good workout and keep your body healthy, just be careful with moves and poses that could unbalance your body and lead to a fall. It might be a good idea to talk with your doctor about your exercise plan and get his suggestions for modifications as your body changes.

Also, continue to sit and stand slowly because if you go too quick you can find yourself dizzy, light headed, or off balance enough to tumble. Slow and steady is the game from here on out!

Look at Baby Now:

Your little one has grown and may be up to 7 ounces already! The growth rate from here to the finish line will be fast, so prepare to bear more weight as he gets ready to enter the world. The brain is also forming specialization centers for all of the senses such as sight and smell. If you are having a girl, she is already producing eggs in her ovaries!

The big development around week 19 is the production of meconium. This is a tar-like substance that will be her first bowel movement upon birth. There is a slight risk that this bowel movement will occur in the womb. If this happens it will be expelled into the amniotic fluid, and if the baby inhales it with the fluid it can get into her lungs and cause complications when she is born. There is no way to prevent this and it is not a common occurrence, so it’s just one more thing to try and not worry about.

When you go into labor and your water breaks, seeing it run clear will be your assurance that this has not happened.

Tips for Now:

If you have not started to think about your childbirth options, now would be a good time to start. Educate yourself on the different pain management options and decide what you want when it comes time. Some women also prefer birthing centers to hospitals or want to have a birthing tub available for labor and birth. Look into all the options and discuss your plans with your doctor. It is never too soon to start planning a happy birth.