Within two months, the big day will arrive, and baby is just as excited as you are--something you can probably feel from the increasing activity in your tummy!
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At almost 4 pounds (2 kg) in weight and 19 inches (48 cm) in length, your baby is nearly filling up your entire uterus. Most of the time, her head will be facing upward, but there's still enough room to somersault now and then. In her spare time, baby is getting ready for her first loving look at Mom, as she practices opening and closing her eyes. Baby's skin is also becoming less wrinkled, as layers of fat continue to plump out the body.
Your Body This Week
Visits to your health care provider are probably increasing to every two weeks, and this frequency will continue until the last month, when you'll visit weekly until your delivery day. Back and leg aches may continue, and you may become easily winded. This is not only due to the extra weight of your growing baby, but also because she's pressing against your diaphragm, making breathing more difficult. Around this time you may also notice a yellow-tinged liquid coming from your nipples. Known as colostrum (foremilk), it means your breasts are getting ready to produce milk.
A Formula For Success
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first year of your baby's life. You, like many woman, may be educating yourself about breastfeeding in preparation for your baby's arrival. But as you may soon find out, this is not always possible. Based on your delivery, recovery, lifestyle plans or other considerations, you may find it is necessary to use formula instead. Even after you make that decision, you'll probably have plenty of questions. To learn about the best formula, supplies, feeding schedules and more, read part one in the series on bottle feeding.
The Saga of Swollen Ankles
One of the wondrous mysteries of pregnancy is how it can defy laws of physics and cause your shoes and rings to actually shrink. Mild swelling of the feet, ankles and hands is perfectly normal. Of course, knowing that doesn't help you feel any less puffy or help your feet feel any less tender. If you have severe swelling, contact your doctor immediately. Otherwise, it's possible to get the swelling down on your own. Check out this collection of ways to reduce swelling.
