New Born - 8th month

What's Happening with Baby:

• Skin takes on a "healthy" color
• If a boy, baby’s testicles have almost made the descent into the scrotal sac
• Baby is approximately seventeen inches long and weighs about five pounds
• Brain and nerves are maturing
• Baby’s awareness of surroundings increases
• Entire body preparing for a "Special Delivery"

What's Happening with Mom:

• Baby may begin his descent by dropping into pelvis, making mom look physically different
• Mom is passing protective antibodies through the placenta into baby’s bloodstream
• Mom is often tired - baby’s activity may interfere with her sleep
• Waiting for baby’s arrival becomes increasingly difficult
• "Heartburn" is a frequent visitor

Special concerns during this time of your pregnancy:

• Practice breathing and relaxation to aid in your comfort during labor. Make sure to ask questions about anything that concerns you! Two major decisions you need to make during this time: Decide how you will feed the baby (naturally or by bottle) and who your pediatrician will be.
  
  Did you know... Although still premature, at week 30 the baby is usually able to live outside the womb.

New Born - 7 month

What's Happening with Baby:

• Baby begins to make grasping motions
• Layer of fat is developing under the skin to insulate baby at birth
• Baby is now about eleven inches long and weighs about three pounds
• Eyelids slowly open and a new sense is awakened
• Hearing continues to develop; parent’s voices are comforting

What's Happening with Mom:

• Ankles swell; legs are often tired
• Mom may feel unsteady because baby’s weight pulls her forward
• Mom is feeling many conflicts now: she can’t wait to see the baby but she may fear the delivery itself
• Mom needs to empty bladder often
• Hiccoughing by baby is an almost daily event

Special concerns during this time of your pregnancy:

• You will find that a nap during the day is helpful for you to regain your energy. Slowly rocking in a rocking chair is good exercise for your calf muscles and swollen ankles. This is the perfect time to begin Childbirth Classes.
  
  Did you know... At week 26, your baby has over a 50 percent chance of surviving outside the womb with intensive medical care.

New Born - 6th month

What's Happening with Baby:

• Fetus looks like a miniature copy of the person he will become
• Skin is wrinkled and the body is thin
• Baby is now about 9 inches long and weighs approximates 1 1/2 pounds
• Baby has less room to move around
• Lungs inflate slightly, which will help baby take his first breath later on
• Tongue has developed taste buds

What's Happening with Mom:

• Mom begins to "glow"
• Weight gain may be steady
• Baby’s movement contributes to positive acceptance of pregnancy
• Dreaming about baby helps mom deal with her concerns

Special concerns during this time of your pregnancy:

• Baby continues to depend on your for the nutrients needed to grow strong and healthy. If you are hearing "Old Wive’s tales" that concern you, talk to your doctor or childbirth educators - they can provide reassurance!

New Born - 5th month

What's Happening with Baby:

• Hair is beginning to grow on head
• Toenails are just starting to grow
• Sweat glands begin to develop
• Skin turns from transparent to opaque
• Baby is now about seven inches long and weighs about 10-12 ounces
• Sucking reflex begins to work
• Bones become harder and stronger
• Baby becomes more coordinated as he turns, stretches and kicks
• Baby can hear now

What's Happening with Mom:

• Mom gains three to four pounds
• Secretions of colostrum from breasts may occur
• Swelling of extremities may begin when mom is inactive for long periods
• Major movement by baby (Mom can feel kicking and other activity from baby)
• Backaches may result as muscles begin to loosen in preparation for delivery
• Mom daydreams... fantasizing about herself as a mother!

Special concerns during this time of your pregnancy:

• During this time, your baby continues to rely on your healthy eating habits. Avoid constipation as it can increase the chance of hemorrhoids developing. Walk daily to maintain circulation and overall good health, but make sure to wear low-heeled shoes to avoid back strain.

New Born - 4th month

What's Happening with Baby:

• All structures and organs are formed now
• Baby weighs about seven ounces and is about five inches long
• Fine hair is beginning to grow on baby’s body
• Baby can use hands to grasp
• Baby is kicking restlessly
• Eyelids close and remain closed until third trimester

What's Happening with Mom:

• Mom begins "to show"
• Rosy cheeks develop - she is glowing!
• Her breasts become fuller and heavier
• She should continue to gain about a pound per week for the rest of her pregnancy
• During this time, some moms feel wonderful - others don’t!
• Oily skin may become more oily, and dry skin may become drier
• Increasing estrogen in the body may make her hair drier

Special concerns during this time of your pregnancy:

• During this time, your body is storing protein and calories that both you and the baby will need for nursing. Your baby’s healthy growth and development is partly dependent on your healthy diet and the continued use of prenatal vitamins. To help with dry skin, use moisturizers on your face and body, and if your hair/scalp is dry, a good haircut and the use of a conditioner will help. If your clothes start feeling snug, try oversized clothing for more comfort.

New Born - 3rd month

What's Happening with Baby:

• Baby’s heartbeat can be heard by physician with a stethoscope
• Baby’s external genitals are formed
• Eyelids are growing over developing eyes
• Fetus is now 3 inches long and weighs about one ounce
• The nervous system is responsive
• Fingernails and toes are also forming
• Baby starts to move inside the womb
• Swallowing reflex has been mastered

What's Happening with Mom:

• 2 to 3 pound weight gain
• Desirable weight gain pattern is 3 1/2 pounds for the first 3 months
• Blood volume has increased about 40 percent
• Slight movement (bubbling sensation in the stomach) may be felt
• Mom can become very emotional

Special concerns during this time of your pregnancy:

• Visits to doctor are essential! Mood swings can be stressful ... Mom needs a good support system (family, friends, co-workers, etc.)

New Born - 2nd month

What's Happening with Baby:

• Legs and arms start to grow
• Eyes and ears begin to take shape
• Embryo is not more than an inch long

What's Happening with Mom:

• Still no noticeable weight gain
• Nausea may continue
• Mood swings and feelings of ambivalence

Special concerns during this time of your pregnancy:

• Begin taking prenatal vitamins, and add sources of protein and calcium to your already healthy diet.