Body Shop: How you’ll change
Finally, you’re starting to actually feel pregnant. You may still feel fatigued, constipated and bloated like you did during the first trimester. Thankfully, many of those symptoms will dwindle or go away just in time for a set of new ones.
Surprise! Your emotions are still swaying, and you might be frustrated and self-conscious when you can’t fit into your regular clothes but you’re too small for maternity clothes. Some women feel scattered and forgetful, and have trouble concentrating.1
Mommy-Do List: Things to do this month
- As soon as you feel the baby moving, write down the date and tell your health care provider. This can help pin down your due date.1
- Register for childbirth classes, which you should begin in your seventh month.10
- Tell family and friends you’re expecting, if you haven’t already.
- Water can help prevent bladder infections, a common problem during pregnancy.2 Drink up!
Nutrition Watch: Eating right for two
You’ve heard about crazy pregnancy cravings-maybe you’ve had a few yourself. It’s okay to give in to the urge for sugar and fat once in a while, but for your baby’s sake, try not to go overboard. Here are some ideas that might help:
- Eat breakfast to stave off mid-morning snack attacks.
- Exercise regularly to curb hunger.
- Get emotional support by talking to someone rather than turning to food.
- Train yourself to be satisfied with small tastes instead of eating big quantities.
- Make healthy substitutions like those listed below.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| Ice cream | Nonfat frozen yogurt, sorbet or sherbet |
| Cola | Mineral water with fruit juice or a squeeze of lime |
| Doughnut or sweetened pastry | Whole-grain bagel with jam |
| Cake | Low-fat banana nut or zucchini bread or angel food cake with fresh strawberries |
| Sugary cereals | Whole grain cereal or oatmeal with brown sugar |
| Potato chips | Low-fat chips, microwave popcorn or pretzels |
| Sour cream | Nonfat sour cream or nonfat plain yogurt |
| Chocolate | Fat-free hot cocoa made with nonfat milk, or trail mix with raisins, dried fruits, nuts and a small handful of chocolate chips |
| Cookies | Graham crackers with peanut butter |
| Cheesecake | Small slices of cheese on whole wheat crackers, or low-fat rice or vanilla pudding5 |
1 “Pregnancy, Month by Month” University of Michigan Health System Web site at www.med.umich.edu
2 “Ask the Experts: How Much Water Should I Drink While I’m Pregnant?” www.babycenter.com
5 “Five Healthy Fixes for Junk Food Cravings” www.babycenter.com
10 “Month by Month Pregnancy Guide” Sutter Health System Web site at www.babies.sutterhealth.org
The information on this Web site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding you or your child's health.
