準媽媽的40 周 Pregnancy Symptoms 孕期不適篇

	Month	Week	Week	Week	Week
	1	Week 1 — Bleeding lasting five to seven days: This is the last period you’ll be having for a while. Not only will you stop having a period while you’re pregnant, but if you breastfeed your baby that will postpone your period for another few months. If you use sanitary pads, don’t toss them out — you’ll need them after you give birth to absorb the vaginal discharge and bleeding (which for the first week or so after childbirth will be similar to a heavy menstrual period).	Week 2 — Increase in amount of cervical mucus and change in its consistency: If you’ve been monitoring your mucus during these TTC months, you already know that it changes consistency from week to week. Right now your mucus is probably thick, sticky, and creamy, but as you head toward C-day (conception), the volume will increase and it’ll start to look cloudy.	Week 3 Pregnancy Symptoms A rise in your basal body temperature: Your basal body temperature (BBT) is lower when your body is heading toward ovulation but rises about a degree when you ovulate. That’s because the hormone estrogen, which lowers your BBT, dominates the first half of your cycle, while progesterone, which raises your BBT, surges once you ovulate (to get the uterus ready to receive the fertilized egg). So this week you’ll see a rise in your BBT if you’ve been keeping track. Clear cervical mucus with an egg-white consistency: Last week your mucus was getting thinner and looking a little cloudy; this week it’s extra-thin, extra-stretchy, and clear (or whitish) — perfect traveling conditions for sperm heading upstate (toward the egg). Possible lower-abdominal achiness (mittelschmerz): About one in four women feel a twinge or series of cramps in the lower abdominal area — usually one side (the side they’re ovulating from). This pain, which is thought to come from an ovary releasing an egg, is known as mittelschmerz (from the German word meaning “middle pain”).	Week 4 Pregnancy Symptoms Implantation bleeding (possibly): If you find that you’re spotting this week (right around the time that you would have had your period or a little before), don’t be alarmed. This is usually a sign that the embryo has implanted itself into the uterine wall (and that’s good!). Don’t have any spotting at all? Don’t worry, either — only a small percentage of women experience implantation bleeding, so not having this symptom doesn’t mean that you’re not pregnant. PMS-like symptoms (breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings) that might not go away: Sore, tender boobs? Check. Trouble buttoning your pants? Check. Feeling grumpy one minute, happy the next? Check and check. Early pregnancy symptoms are sort of like PMS symptoms but a little more exaggerated (think PMS on steroids). So your breasts may be tingly, sore, and feel a little full, thanks to the progesterone and estrogen coursing through your system (and getting your breasts ready — yes, even at this early stage — to feed your baby). And what’s up with the bloating? Well, blame progesterone for that one. It’s helping to slow down your digestion to allow more nutrients to enter the bloodstream and reach your baby. You can also blame your roller-coaster moods on hormones (go ahead — they’ll be a convenient excuse for the next nine months!).
	2	Week 5 Pregnancy Symptoms Frequent urination: Spending too much time in the loo these days? The reason is that the pregnancy hormone hCG is increasing the blood flow to your pelvic area and your kidneys, making them more efficient during pregnancy (after all, you're urinating for two). What can you do about it? Well, what you don’t want to do is cut back on liquids (thinking it’ll keep you out of the bathroom) because your body and baby need a steady supply of fluids to stay hydrated during pregnancy. But you can skip the diuretics like caffeine, which will only make your frequent urination even more frequent. Fatigue: Pregnancy is hard work, and that can cause a downshift in your get-up-and-go. During the first trimester, a huge amount of energy goes into building a life-support system for your baby (namely the placenta), which can leave you feeling just a bit tired or full-out wiped-out. Also to blame are the hormonal (and emotional) changes that are occurring in your body. The good news: By the end of your first trimester, your body will have completed the Herculean task of manufacturing the placenta, so you might feel a renewal of energy. In the meantime, listen to your body (which is telling you it’s pooped!) and get plenty of rest and eat right (and often!). Breast tenderness and changes: What’s causing your breasts to grow and become ultrasensitive and tender? That hormonal duo — estrogen and progesterone — deserve most of the blame. Other factors include the good and necessary fat that’s building up in your breasts and the increased blood flow to the area, both of which will help turn your breasts into milk machines for your baby. To help relieve breast tenderness, invest in a good bra (and wear it to bed if you’re uncomfortable sleeping) and ask your partner to handle them with care. (In other words, look but don’t touch, darling!) Nausea: That queasy feeling in your stomach, which can sometimes lead to vomiting, can hit at any time of the day or night (not just morning!), especially in the first trimester, thanks to some unknown combination of hormones, increased stress, and other body changes (like a keener sense of smell). To keep nausea under control, don’t skip meals (even if the thought of eating makes you feel a little sick). Be a grazer instead, sticking to foods that appeal to you, and try to follow a healthy diet. Excessive saliva: Horrified to find your mouth watering for no reason at all? If so, you might be experiencing early pregnancy’s double whammy: a queasy tummy and excessive saliva (and yes, you can blame those pesky pregnancy hormones for those symptoms, too!). How to deal with the drool? Chewing sugarless gum can help your mouth stay a little dryer. Food cravings and aversions: Suddenly struck by an overpowering urge to eat a grilled cheese sandwich? Can’t stand the sight of salads (or anything green)? Welcome to the wacky world of food cravings and aversions. Hormones play a role here (as they do in most pregnancy symptoms) — especially in these early weeks when your body is getting used to hormonal havoc. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em — within reason. Indulge your chocolate cravings with a mini bar instead of a king-sized one and find healthy substitutes for the foods you can’t stand (like drinking a V-8 instead of eating salads).	Week 6 Pregnancy Symptoms Frequent urination: You’re eating for two and peeing for two these days, thanks to your kidneys, which are getting more efficient about ridding your body of waste (yours and your growing baby-to-be’s). You can blame your uterus too, which is putting pressure on your bladder now. To make sure you empty it all out (and save yourself another trip to the bathroom in ten minutes), lean forward when you pee. Then, when you think you’re done, pee again. (Might as well try — you’re there anyway!) Fatigue: Building that baby (and the life support your growing fetus needs) is hard work, so it’s no wonder you feel exhausted. Listen to your body — if it’s screaming at you to take a break, then take five! But do fit in some exercise: Take a walk or a yoga class; the endorphins you release will lift your mood and help you sleep better. Just don’t overdo! Breast tenderness and changes: No, it’s not your imagination — your nipples are sticking out more than usual. They may be tender too (so definitely warn your partner about what feels good to the touch and what doesn’t). Why the luscious look these days? All the better to see you with, my dear! Your body is gearing up to breastfeed, and the darker areolas (the skin around the nipples) turn your nipples into a bull’s-eye for your newborn, whose eyesight at birth won’t be very good. Nausea and vomiting: Whether you are experiencing slight queasiness or hurling breakfast, lunch, or dinner (or all three), look on the bright side. (Though admittedly it’s hard to look at the bright side when your view is the porcelain goddess!) Women who experience some nausea are significantly less likely to miscarry than those who don’t. Combat queasiness by eating small snacks that combine protein and complex carbs — cheese and multigrain crackers, yogurt and granola, whatever your stomach can stomach. Heartburn and indigestion: Here’s the not-so-great news — the chances of getting through the next nine months heartburn-free are nearly zero. That’s because the muscle at the top of the stomach that usually prevents digestive juices from backing up relaxes. But here's better news: you can minimize the symptoms if you don't rush through your meals and avoid clothes that constrict your belly. Bloating: Blame the progesterone that’s coursing through your body as you read this — this delightful hormone is essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, but it also is responsible for your puff mommy-to-be look. Eat lots of fiber and drink plenty of water to avoid getting constipated, which can aggravate bloating. Increased sense of smell: Now that you’re pregnant, you’ve got a bloodhound’s keen nose. You can smell your coworker’s lunch from across the room, the cologne your office-mate is wearing, and someone’s dirty sneakers (all at the same time!). What’s the deal with your supersensitive sniffer? Blame your hormones again. If your nose is making the queasies worse, surround yourself with some scents that may make you feel better (if there are any). Some to try: mint, ginger, and lemon.	Week 7 Pregnancy Symptoms Frequent urination: Between the nausea and the need to pee, you’re still spending a lot of time in the bathroom these days. The pregnancy hormone hCG is increasing the blood flow to your pelvic area (that’s good news if you’re up for having sex), and that in turn affects the other flow. Don’t cut back on liquids, though (but you may want to cut back on coffee, which is a diuretic). Your body (and baby!) needs a steady supply of fluids during pregnancy. Fatigue: Of course you’re tired — you’re still engaged in the Herculean task of manufacturing the placenta (your baby’s life-support system) as well as getting used to all those conflicting emotions you’re experiencing. One way to fight fatigue is by eating smaller meals more often. (It’ll help your queasy stomach, too). Eating six mini meals will keep your blood sugar on an even keel, and that in turn will help your energy level. Just make most of those mini meals healthy ones! Breast tenderness and changes: Are your breasts sprouting blue veins that are beginning to make them look like an interstate highway map? In fact, these veins do act like highways: They transport the nutrients and fluids from you to your baby after he (or she) is born. To minimize sagging and stretch marks later on, invest in a good bra now (maybe even a maternity one that will give you more support). Nausea and vomiting: Don’t choose the nursery colors just yet, but studies do show that moms-to-be who are severely nauseated in the first trimester tend to be carrying girls, thanks to the interplay of hormones produced by you and the female fetus. But regardless of your baby’s gender and how sick you feel, you’ll still want to keep some food down. Stick to foods that appeal to you, even if you’re only eating fruit salads for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (Your baby’s nutritional needs are tiny at this point, so no worries.) Excessive saliva: As if feeling queasy wasn’t enough, you may also be contending with extra saliva pooling in your mouth. It should pass by the end of your first trimester (only seven more weeks to go!), but until it does, chew lots of sugarless gum. Food cravings and aversions: Stuck eating the same thing night after night because very few foods appeal to your picky palate now? Don’t worry — you’re not robbing your baby of precious nutrients by eating the same (healthy) thing over and over. If cravings are driving you crazy, give in to them once in a while — then eat well for the rest of the day. Heartburn and indigestion: If you’ve got a burning sensation from the depths of your stomach to your mouth after you eat, then you’ve got pregnancy-induced indigestion and heartburn. Avoid your heartburn triggers (spicy or fatty foods, caffeinated drinks, whatever does it to you) and drink either before or after you eat — too much fluid mixed with too much food will distend your stomach and aggravate the burn. Constipation: If pregnancy has clogged up the works for you, you’re not alone. The muscles in your bowels have relaxed so the food you eat can stay around your system longer. That’s good for your baby — more nutrients for her (or him) — and bad for you since sluggish bowels can leave you feeling, well, sluggish too. A good way to get things moving is to get your fill of the good bacteria found in probiotics. Find yogurts that contain active cultures and eat one a day (or take a probiotics supplement after checking with your practitioner). Probiotics will stimulate the intestinal bacteria to break down food better and help your digestive track keep things moving.	Week 8 Pregnancy Symptoms Fatigue: What’s making you so tired these days? Try everything! Pregnancy is hard work, and you should ask for help — from your partner, from your family, and from your friends. Having your partner (or a pal) lend a hand means you might have enough energy to go out for a walk (and then go to bed!). Nausea and vomiting: Those queasy feelings may still be sticking around this week. Try eating foods with ginger (many studies show it works for reducing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy) — ginger cookies, real ginger ale, or ginger candies. And try taking your prenatal vitamin during dinner rather than on an empty stomach. The chewable kind might also make you feel less queasy. Food cravings and aversions: Craving weird substances such as clay or laundry starch? Call your practitioner. These types of cravings are called pica and could be a sign of a nutritional deficiency, especially of iron. Flatulence: Along with the bloating and constipation comes that other common scourge of pregnancy: flatulence (aka farting). The (aptly named) hormone relaxin, along with progesterone, is working to relax the muscles in your body, including those in your gastrointestinal tract. This causes food to move along more slowly, which leads to indigestion and gassiness. What can you do about it (except apologize to those around you)? Try to relax when you eat — tension can cause you to swallow air along with your food, which can form gas pockets in your belly. Bloating: Those swell pregnancy hormones may cause you to swell as they slow down your metabolism. Try to drink lots of fluid and follow a healthy diet to avoid constipation, which only aggravates your bloated feeling. Constipation: Fiber can be your BFF in the fight against those sluggish intestines, so add some fiber to every meal. But pace yourself if you’re not used to a fiber-rich diet or you’ll find yourself gassier than ever before: For instance, replace that white rice with brown and serve it along with your roasted chicken and veggies but don’t overload your system with a dish of brown rice, tofu, and broccoli. Increased sense of smell: If your heightened sense of smell is making mealtime preparation unbearable, switch to foods that you don’t have to cook or, better yet, have your partner pitch in. If there’s a window in the kitchen, leave it open. Or just cook the foods you can stand to eat. Increased vaginal discharge: Yet another bodily fluid introduced to you courtesy of estrogen — leukorrhea, a thin, milky vaginal discharge. (When estrogen increases blood flow to the pelvic area, it stimulates the body’s mucous membranes.) Leukorrhea protects the birth canal from infection by maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria, so don’t try to douche or wash it away. Occasional headaches: All that exhaustion, stress, and hunger (or nausea) you’re experiencing (plus those pesky hormones) can make your head ache — literally. Some women get headaches more often during pregnancy, and others don’t. Make sure you’re getting enough rest to ward off fatigue-triggered headaches and keep eating to prevent your blood sugar from dropping and triggering them as well. Occasional faintness or dizziness: You might find yourself light-headed these days. That’s because your body isn’t producing enough blood to fill your rapidly expanding circulatory system, which is gearing up to meet the needs of that other (little) body. Let your practitioner know if it happens a lot; otherwise, lie down as soon as you feel light-headed. If that’s not possible, then sit and bend as far forward as you can and put your head between your knees.
	3	Week 9 Pregnancy Symptoms Frequent urination: If your sleep’s being interrupted by that gotta-go feeling, try double-voiding when you pee — when you think you’re done peeing, pee again. This will help empty out your bladder completely and maybe buy you an extra hour of shut-eye during the night. Fatigue: It’s a drag when you’re dragging yourself through the day. Make a point of getting your sleep — yes, it’s obvious, but between racing to the bathroom at midnight to pee and your mind racing with all those pregnancy worries, you may find it difficult to comply with your body’s ever-rising request for rest. So turn away from the computer (which can leave you too wired to fall asleep), turn in earlier (maybe after reading a book or magazine), and linger in bed longer. That extra sleep should give you some staying power. Breast tenderness and change: Another thing that may be keeping you up at night? Your bigger breasts, which are not just larger but more tender too. The increased blood flow and their larger size can make them ultrasensitive — and make you more uncomfortable at night. You can wear a cotton sports bra to minimize the discomfort. Excessive saliva: You may be feeling as if you’ve got enough spit to fill up a spittoon (and then some!). Using a minty mouthwash and brushing your teeth as often as you can make your mouth dryer. Heartburn and indigestion: Need a quick trick for banishing your next bout of heartburn? Chew some sugarless gum (it's perfectly safe in moderation for pregnant women — check out these facts on artificial sweeteners and pregnancy). Chewing increases saliva, which then neutralizes the acid in your stomach. Tums or Rolaids also eases the burn (and gives you a calcium boost to boot). Flatulence: Got enough gas to rival a frat boy? Don’t worry — you’re not the first mom-to-be mortified by a sudden expulsion of gas (at either end) in a public place. But if you’d like to keep those embarrassing explosions to a minimum, try opting for small meals that won’t overload your digestive system as much as large meals do. Bloating: Who knew pregnancy could spawn so many uncomfortable symptoms! To keep that gassy, bloated feeling to a minimum, eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation (see below), which can aggravate bloating. Constipation: To avoid even more bloating, try to get those bowels moving at their normal (or prepregnancy normal) pace. Besides drinking lots of water, have a go at fruit and vegetable juices to make you go. You could try hot water and lemon first thing in the morning (or last thing at night) — some pregnant women swear by it! Increased sense of smell: If that keen sense of smell is making your life an olfactory ordeal, try leaving windows open (to banish musty bedroom odors or cooking smells) and washing your clothes more often (fibers tend to hold onto smells).	Week 10 Pregnancy Symptoms Fatigue: You probably still feel as if your get-up-and-go has gotten up and gone, but don’t worry — in about a month you’ll be feeling less tired. In the meantime, don’t be super mom-to-be. Ask for help, get some rest, and work in some exercise when you can. Yes, it seems counterintuitive to go out for a walk when you want to crawl into bed, but you’ll feel peppier (promise!) — and you’ll sleep better. Nausea and vomiting: What’s the worst thing you can do if you’re feeling queasy? Skip a meal. (Missing a meal just makes those queasy feelings more intense.) But if eating anything is really turning your stomach, try acupressure or seasickness bands. And sucking on ginger candy (or drinking real ginger ale) will help, too. Food cravings and aversions: Between those queasy feelings and food aversions, you’ve probably kept your weight gain down. And that’s okay — your baby’s nutritional needs are minuscule at this point. But even so, you don’t want to go crazy on the cravings. It’s okay to indulge once in a while, or eat a bite-sized piece of chocolate instead of a brownie, but if your cravings are getting out of hand, try some distractions: Call a friend, read a book, head to the gym, or go for a walk. Heartburn and indigestion: A good way to prevent heartburn? Don’t eat while you’re lying down — or don’t lie down right after eating a big meal (even though the bed beckons you!). And use pillows to prop up your head (about six inches) when you sleep. That should keep those gastric juices down. Flatulence: As your hormones continue to relax all your muscles, the muscles in your gastrointestinal tract are relaxing too, which means more indigestion (see above) and more intestinal gas. Your best bet is to stay away from foods that produce the most gas. You may find it helpful to keep a record of what you eat to see whether there’s a connection between certain foods — whether it’s fried foods or broccoli or beans — and gas. Then you can avoid those triggers (or at least warn your partner!). Increased vaginal discharge:You’ve got more blood flowing to the pelvic area (good for your sex life) thanks to the pregnancy hormone estrogen, as well as more mucus. The result is a thin, milky-white discharge that you may be seeing now. It’s harmless, so don’t bother with special wipes or washes — these could change the delicate balance of your genital tract and lead to irritation. Occasional headaches: What accounts for these new pregnancy headaches? Blame hormones (they’re a convenient scapegoat!), but other triggers include fatigue (check), hunger (check), and stress (check).Your doctor will probably okay acetaminophen but not ibuprofen. It’s also worthwhile to try other ways to soothe your savage head: Lie down in a dark room, put a cold compress on your face or neck, or take fresh-air breaks. Occasional faintness or dizziness: Your body is still getting used to all that blood pumping through it, so it’s no wonder you feel dizzy occasionally. Be sure to sit or lie down as soon as you feel light-headed (so you don’t fall). To decrease dizzy spells, carry healthy snacks around for a quick blood-sugar boost and stay hydrated. Visible veins on your body: That increased blood supply is also responsible for the road map of veins crisscrossing their way across your belly and breasts. Those veins are doing the important work of taking nutrients and blood to your baby. So there’s nothing you can do but wait. They will disappear though! Lower abdominal achiness: Like so many pregnancy symptoms, round ligament pain (which is just a fancy name for those growing pains in that burgeoning belly of yours) is probably something you never expected. What’s causing them? The ligaments that support your belly are stretching out (and getting thinner); and as your belly gets heavier, the weight pulls on the ligaments, causing pain (sharp or dull). The best thing to do is get off your feet and get comfy.	Week 11 Pregnancy Symptoms Frequent urination: Blame that pregnancy hormone hCG (which increases blood flow to the pelvic area and kidneys) for making you feel the need to pee nearly all the time. But don’t be tempted to cut back on your fluid intake since you (and your baby-to-be) need to stay hydrated — instead, cut back on caffeinated drinks (they just increase your need to pee). Breast tenderness and changes: Your growing breasts may be a turn-on for your partner, but your achy boobs are a turnoff for you. Warn your partner about your extra-sensitive breasts so that he knows why you may not be up for lovemaking — or even heavy-duty hugging. Nausea and vomiting: Still feeling “morning sickness” — morning, noon, and night? Don’t despair since the odds are good you have only a week or two left of queasiness — most moms-to-be get over their nausea by weeks 12 to 14. Excessive saliva: While experts aren’t entirely sure what causes this symptom, the most likely explanation is those darned pregnancy hormones. Keep your mouth as dry and minty-fresh as possible by brushing your teeth more often. Food cravings and aversions: Are you still gagging at the smell of what used to be your favorite food — or jonesing for meat even though you were practically a vegetarian? The good news is that these freaky food preferences may lessen by your fourth month. Bloating: How can your belly feel so inflated when your fetus is still only about two inches long? The progesterone in your system has caused your gastrointestinal tract to relax, which slows digestion and leaves you feeling bloated. Occasional faintness or dizziness: Your body isn’t producing enough blood to fill your expanding circulatory system, which can lead to dizziness and fainting. Stave off light-headedness by keeping your blood sugar stable with regular, small meals throughout the day — and by keeping a stash of healthy snacks nearby at all times.	Week 12 Pregnancy Symptoms Decreasing need to urinate frequently: That gotta-go feeling may finally be starting to wane. But be sure to practice your Kegel exercises throughout the next several months to help prevent pregnancy-induced incontinence down the line. Fatigue: Throughout this first trimester your body is working overtime to build the placenta, which is likely zapping your energy. So let yourself rest when you feel the need, and take advantage of any opportunities to sleep now — before your baby arrives and demands three a.m. feedings. Excessive saliva: This annoying pregnancy symptom will likely go away as you head into your second trimester. Minimize your discomfort (and distaste) by chewing sugarless gum or swishing mouthwash. Flatulence: One way to decrease this embarrassing pregnancy symptom is to slow down when you eat. Scarfing down food can cause you to swallow air, which creates gas pockets in your already-overtaxed belly. Increased sense of smell: If your nose knows a little too much lately (you can tell what your hubby ate for lunch the moment he walks in the door), try opening the windows. Or keep a lemon wedge nearby, and sniff it when you start to smell a nausea-inducing odor — citrus can quell queasiness. Increased vaginal discharge: Extra discharge is completely normal during pregnancy — thanks to increased estrogen, which stimulates your body’s mucous membranes. Stay dry by wearing panty liners. Occasional headaches: Be sure to eat regularly throughout the day — skipping meals causes low blood sugar, which can trigger headaches. Also, remember that it’s usually okay to take acetaminophen during pregnancy (but make sure your medical practitioner gives you the go-ahead first).
Second Trimester	4	Week 13 Pregnancy Symptoms Decreasing fatigue: Now that your body has had a trimester to adjust to pregnancy, you may be starting to feel a little less tired these days. Consider channeling your newfound energy into your workout routine — but don’t overdo it! Breast tenderness and changes: The aches you’re feeling are largely due to estrogen, progesterone, and the increased fat and blood flow to your breasts. Pick bras with plenty of support to ease your discomfort. Food cravings and aversions: If you still have a yen for weird foods, don’t be too hard on yourself. Do your best to find healthy foods that appeal to you, and give yourself permission to indulge in small portions of the junk foods you crave. Heartburn or indigestion: During pregnancy, the muscle at the top of the stomach relaxes, allowing digestive acids to rise up into the esophagus — causing a burning in the chest. Reduce the pain by staying away from these heartburn triggers: alcohol, caffeinated drinks, chocolate, mint, citrus, and spicy or fatty foods. Constipation: Your bowel muscles also relax during pregnancy (due to hormones), which means your bowels will be less efficient at moving waste out of your system. If you find yourself backed up, slowly start adding more high-fiber foods to your diet (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are good picks). Occasional faintness or dizziness: Still plagued by dizzy spells? Don’t get up from a sitting or prone position too quickly since this can trigger light-headedness. In the event that you do start to feel faint, immediately lie down or sit with your head between your knees Visible veins on body: Though you may not find these veins a welcome sight, they’re actually a good thing —your increased blood supply is carrying much-needed nutrients to your baby. Even more good news: The vein network fades after you give birth.	Week 14 Pregnancy Symptoms Decreasing need to urinate frequently: Bladder pressure tends to lessen in the second trimester, which means you may finally be able to skip a few trips to the bathroom each day. Enjoy it now — bladder pressure ramps up again in the third trimester, when the baby drops farther into the pelvis. Decreasing fatigue: You’re probably feeling a renewed sense of energy now that your body has finished its first-trimester task of manufacturing the placenta. So consider taking this opportunity to get a jump start on baby prep (ready to start picking out a baby registry wish list?). Continued breast growth but decreasing tenderness: While your breasts are still growing and changing (for instance, your areolas are probably darker and your nipples may be on “high alert”), they may not feel as achy as they did in your first trimester. An end to (or decrease in) nausea and vomiting: If you’re like most women, your morning sickness may be coming to an end now that you’re in your second trimester (yay!). Pat yourself on the back (or tummy) for making it through the worst of the nausea. Increasing appetite: Now that the nausea is subsiding, you’ve rediscovered your appetite. Do your best to eat regular, healthy meals and snacks throughout the day (which keeps blood sugar and energy stable) instead of bingeing (which causes sugar highs and subsequent sugar crashes). Varicose veins: These large, swollen blood vessels, which often show up on the legs, are caused by the extra blood volume you produce to nourish your baby-to-be. Though you may not be able to prevent varicose veins entirely (they’re hereditary), you can help minimize them by walking throughout the day to keep blood circulating. Possible nasal congestion: Those pesky hormones are to blame once again — high levels of estrogen and progesterone increase blood flow to mucous membranes in the body (including the nose), which causes them to swell and soften. Try running a warm-mist humidifier while you sleep to make breathing easier.	Week 15 Pregnancy Symptoms Heartburn or indigestion: Now that you’re hungrier, you may find that eating large amounts of food in one sitting can lead to heartburn or indigestion. Guard against gastrointestinal discomfort by eating several small meals throughout the day (rather than three large ones) so as not to overload your digestive system. Flatulence: The hormones relaxin and progesterone are relaxing the muscles in your body (including those in your gastrointestinal tract), causing gassiness. Avoid gas-inducing foods such as broccoli, cabbage, beans, and fried foods. Bloating: The hormones that are causing your gastrointestinal system to relax and produce gas can also lead to bloating. A solution you’ll enjoy: Take time out to relax and get pampered (massage, pedicure, you name it) because tension can also cause you to swallow air, both during meals and during the day — increasing bloat. Occasional headaches: Headaches during pregnancy can be caused by just about anything — hormones, fatigue, stress. To lessen your pain, place a cool compress on your forehead or on the back of your neck and sit in a dark, quiet room. Occasional faintness or dizziness: If you can’t find a place to lie down or sit when you feel light-headed, kneel and bend your head forward as though you were tying your shoe. This will help prevent you from fainting and taking a spill. Varicose veins: The good news about varicose veins? They’re unlikely to cause any harm. Plus, their presence is a good excuse to sit down and kick back with your feet up, since elevating your legs helps keep blood circulating and reduces pressure on the veins in your legs. Lower abdominal achiness: As the muscles and ligaments that support your growing uterus stretch, you might notice some pain on the lower sides of your belly (technically called round ligament pain). This is perfectly normal — but if the pain becomes severe, let your practitioner know.	Week 16 Pregnancy Symptoms Continued breast growth: Feeling overwhelmed by your ever-growing breasts? Don’t worry — after giving birth and weaning (if you choose to breastfeed) your boobs should return to about their prepregnancy size (give or take a few jiggles). Constipation: Besides those pregnancy hormones causing your gastrointestinal tract to get sluggish, your expanding uterus is now putting pressure on your bowels, which can back things up significantly. Try increasing the amount of liquid you drink to keep everything moving along. Increased vaginal discharge: Though vaginal discharge is actually beneficial to your body (it protects the birth canal from infection), it may not feel comfortable. Don’t be tempted to try douches or feminine wipes, however, since they can irritate the genital tract and lead to infection. Varicose veins: One way to minimize the swollen blood vessels in your legs? Keep your weight gain healthy and gradual (and stick within the recommended range) because extra weight increases the load on your circulatory system. Possible nasal congestion: Pregnancy hormones cause the mucous membranes in the body to swell, including those in your nose. If this leads to nasal congestion, irritation, and even nosebleeds, saline nasal sprays and nasal strips can offer some relief. Backaches: As your belly gets bigger, your lower back curves more than usual to accommodate the load, resulting in strained back muscles. Try to soothe these sore muscles by getting a prenatal massage (even from your partner) or taking a warm bath or shower. Bleeding gums: Have you noticed that your gums are bleeding after brushing? That’s because pregnancy hormones are causing gum inflammation, making them more susceptible to bacteria, irritation, and bleeding. While this is normal, it’s important to keep flossing and brushing regularly. Also see the dentist at least once during pregnancy to avoid gum disease, which can cause pregnancy complications if untreated.
	5	Week 17 Pregnancy Symptoms Increasing appetite: Does your appetite seem insatiable these days? That’s because your growing baby is demanding more nourishment. Listen to your hunger pangs and eat when you need to; try to choose foods that fill you up and meet your nutrient needs (high-fiber grains, produce, and lean protein). Heartburn or indigestion: If you find yourself feeling the burn after a big meal, avoid lying down after eating to keep gastric juices in the stomach where they belong. Flatulence: As your uterus expands and puts pressure on your rectum, you may find it harder to control the muscles in that area — which can lead to some gassy outbursts. One way to reduce the gas: Eat slowly (eating too quickly can cause you to swallow air, which can form gas pockets in your belly). Occasional headaches: Whether hormones, fatigue, tension, or some other culprit causes your headaches, it’s usually okay to take acetaminophen during pregnancy to alleviate the pain. But check with your practitioner first. Occasional faintness or dizziness: Dehydration can cause dizziness, so make sure you stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day (aim to drink more than that if you’ve been exercising). Backaches: Ease this common pregnancy symptom by making sure you have a supportive chair at work and a firm mattress at home. Otherwise, get a cushion for your chair to place behind your back so you can keep your posture in line, and place a board underneath your mattress to firm it up. Stretch marks: This badge of pregnancy is hereditary, so if you start finding some stretch marks on your body, it may be because your mother had them too. But if you gain weight at a steady rate (instead of in big spurts), this may keep the stretching gradual and, as a result, less extreme.	Week 18 Pregnancy Symptoms Fetal movement: If you’ve noticed an unusual rumbling in your tummy these days, you may be starting to feel your baby’s movements in the womb! But don’t worry if you haven’t felt anything out of the ordinary — it may take a few more weeks for you to pinpoint those first kicks. Flatulence: Finding it hard to contain the gas bubbles? Try to relax — tension can cause you to swallow air and add to the problem. Varicose veins: If the varicose veins in your legs are starting to itch or ache, consider wearing support hose, which applies pressure to the legs and give blood a little upward push toward your heart. Put them on before you get out of bed in the morning to prevent the blood from pooling. Leg cramps: As if it weren’t enough that your precious sleep is interrupted by trips to the bathroom to pee, now you may find yourself suddenly woken up during the night by shooting spasms in your calves. Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes them, but you can help fend them off by doing calf stretches before hitting the sack. Bleeding gums: Those pesky pregnancy hormones cause mucous membranes in your body (including those in your mouth) to swell, which can mean inflamed, irritated, and bleeding gums. Continue to floss and brush regularly, but try not to be too aggressive in your technique since this can further aggravate sensitive gums. Stretch marks: If the appearance of a new stretch mark has got you feeling down, here’s an activity that may cheer you up — get your partner to rub moisturizing lotion over your belly. And maybe even get him to give you a massage while he’s at it! Mild swelling of ankles and feet: As your body tissues accumulate fluid (your pregnant body requires extra fluid to support you and your baby), you may notice swelling in your ankles and feet (fluid tends to pool there thanks to the law of gravity). Reduce water retention in your feet by avoiding standing or sitting for long periods — and try to keep your legs elevated when you can. Skin, hair, and nail changes: While you may have been hoping for a pregnancy “glow,” you may have gotten eczema, redness, or acne instead. These skin conditions are perfectly normal during pregnancy (blame those hormones again), but if you choose to see a dermatologist, be sure to mention that you’re expecting. Some skin medications like Accutane and Retin-A are not safe during pregnancy.	Week 19 Pregnancy Symptoms Hearty appetite: Having a hard time staying away from the fridge (and cupboards and pantry)? Keep tempting junk foods out of the house, and instead fill your kitchen with nutritious goodies — but do occasionally allow yourself to indulge in sinful treats so that you don’t end up bingeing on them. Constipation: If you can’t seem to get regular, take a look at your supplements and medications; some of them, such as iron, can make constipation worse. Ask your practitioner to help you come up with some alternatives until your digestive system gets back on track. Occasional faintness or dizziness: Your growing uterus may put pressure on your blood vessels (among other parts of your body), reducing blood flow to your brain and causing you to feel light-headed. Even though dizziness is common, don’t ignore it — take it easy and sit or lie down as soon as you start to feel woozy so that you don’t hurt yourself or the baby. Possible nasal congestion: Is the swelling in your nasal passages making it hard for you to breathe? Here’s how to blow your nose without damaging nasal membranes and causing a nosebleed: Use your thumb to close one nostril, and blow gently out the other side. Lower abdominal achiness: The ligaments that support your uterus are getting stretched as your uterus expands — which can cause lower abdominal achiness (or round ligament pain). Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible — and avoid changing positions suddenly because this can trigger pain. Backaches: As your uterus grows, you may find your center of gravity shifting forward, putting extra pressure on your lower back. Avoid straining your back further by letting others lift heavy loads for you. If you absolutely must lift something, stabilize yourself by assuming a wide stance, bend at the knees (not at the waist), and slowly lift with your arms and legs, not your back. Stretch marks: About 90 percent of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy, so you’re not alone. While there is no proven cure, moisturizers such as cocoa butter can help ease the dryness and itching associated with stretched skin.	Week 20 Pregnancy Symptoms Heartburn or indigestion: If you’re looking for a simple heartburn fix, try chewing a piece of sugarless gum after meals. The increased saliva it produces neutralizes gastric acids and helps force fluids back into the stomach. Increased vaginal discharge: As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll notice an increase in vaginal discharge. While it can be uncomfortable, this discharge actually helps protect the birth canal from infection and maintains a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina. Occasional headaches: Do you find that your headaches crop up when you’re overheated, in windowless, stuffy spaces, or under fluorescent lighting? Be sure to take fresh-air breaks outside a few times a day, and dress in layers to avoid getting too hot, which could trigger a headache. Occasional faintness or dizziness: Stuffy, hot rooms can be the cause of light-headedness (not just headaches), especially when your body is already generating lots of heat with that little bun you’re cooking in your oven. Stay cool by taking frequent breaks for fresh air and wearing loose-fitting clothes. Leg cramps: Experts aren’t clear on what causes leg cramps during pregnancy, but one theory is that they are caused by compressed blood vessels in the legs (a consequence of extra weight and swelling). Help the blood circulate throughout your body more easily — and minimize cramping — by putting your feet up when you can and drinking plenty of fluids. Mild swelling of ankles and feet: If water retention in your ankles and feet is causing you pain, be sure to wear comfy (not tight!) shoes while you’re out, and switch into slippers when you get home. Also, avoid tight socks or pantyhose that can cut off blood flow — you want to keep fluids flowing freely to minimize swelling in your lower extremities. Protruding navel: Your cute little innie belly button may suddenly morph into an outie as your uterus pushes your abdomen forward. If you don’t like the new look, don’t worry — your navel will go back to being an innie after delivery.
	6	Week 21 Pregnancy Symptoms Fetal movement: By now you may be able to feel your baby twisting, turning, and kicking in the womb (though many new expectant moms mistake the feeling for gas). Enjoy these first gentle love taps — soon enough your growing baby’s kicks will get more aggressive. Hearty appetite: Are you always in the mood to eat? Carry healthy snacks with you (such as nuts, raisins, trail mix, or granola bars) so that you’ll have nutritious fuel to keep you and your baby-to-be nourished even when you’re on the go. Flatulence: The increasing pressure your uterus is placing on your rectum can mean that you’re having a hard time containing yourself (your gas, that is). Drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods to avoid becoming constipated, which can make gassiness worse. Varicose veins: The extra blood volume and weight you’re carrying around can put pressure on your circulatory system and lead to the swollen blood vessels called varicose veins. Do your best to keep your weight gain to a healthy minimum to avoid putting undue stress on your circulatory system. Backaches: Not only is your center of gravity shifting and putting extra strain on your back, but the hormone relaxin is also causing your ligaments and joints to stretch and loosen, which means additional achiness in your back. If you can, splurge for a prenatal massage from a trained professional. Bleeding gums: If your inflamed, bleeding gums are turning your toothbrush pink, avoid eating sticky candies, especially when you can’t brush afterward. The sweet stuff increases bacteria in your mouth and further irritates your gums. Skin, hair, and nail changes: Have you noticed that your hair and nails are growing at record speed? Pregnancy hormones are partly the cause — as is the increased circulation in your body, bringing extra nutrients to your hair and nails (and to your baby, of course).	Week 22 Pregnancy Symptoms Heartburn or indigestion: Your growing uterus is starting to take over your abdominal cavity, which can help push gastric acids from your stomach up through your esophagus — resulting in the burning pain you may feel. Avoid aggravating heartburn by drinking before and after meals instead of with them (too much fluid mixed with too much food will distend the stomach and make heartburn worse). Constipation: That growing uterus is also putting pressure on your bowels, making it harder to move waste out of your system. Give things a jump start by exercising regularly, which encourages bowel movements. Increased vaginal discharge: If you’re finding your vaginal discharge to be heavy these days, remember to keep clean and dry (if you like, use a panty liner), which will help prevent the odors that sometimes accompany this pregnancy symptom. Occasional faintness or dizziness: Your ever-expanding uterus can put pressure on your blood vessels, which can reduce blood flow to your brain and cause light-headedness. Help keep your blood pumping through your circulatory system by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day (more if it’s hot or you’re working out). Leg cramps: Some experts theorize that leg cramps during pregnancy may be caused by a shortage of calcium or magnesium in the diet. Reduce the frequency of these painful spasms by taking your prenatal vitamin daily. Stretch marks: Noticing stretch marks not just on your belly but also on your hips, thighs, and breasts as well? Go ahead and rub moisturizer all over your body — it may not be a miracle cure, but it’s worth a shot and it will help ease dryness and itchiness. Protruding navel: Not loving your new outie belly button? After delivery it will revert back to an innie — but be prepared for the fact that you will probably be left with a slightly larger belly button.	Week 23 Pregnancy Symptoms Fetal activity: You may be getting used to feeling your baby’s movements in the womb. Cherish these light kicks now before they get more pronounced (and painful) and before your little mover and shaker gets a foot caught in your ribs! Hearty appetite: It’s perfectly normal to find yourself wanting to devour the contents of your kitchen cabinets and fridge (you have a growing baby to feed!). So try to stock your home with healthy snacks such as fruit, cut-up veggies, nuts, and whole-wheat crackers. Bloating: If you can’t seem to shake that ate-too-much feeling, you’re experiencing the effects of progesterone. The hormone causes the gastrointestinal tract to relax and slow down digestion, so that the nutrients from the foods you eat have more time to enter your bloodstream and reach your baby. Help keep things moving through your system (and out of your already bulging belly) by drinking plenty of water. Forgetfulness: Are you consistently forgetting your keys, appointments, and where you parked the car? “Pregnancy brain” is likely caused by those pesky pregnancy hormones — and since it’s completely normal (and temporary), try to laugh it off and refrain from being too hard on yourself. Snoring: This fairly common (and annoying) pregnancy symptom can disrupt your sleep and your partner’s. Partly due to nasal congestion (caused by extra weight and swollen mucous membranes in your nose), you can alleviate the nighttime nasal noises by wearing a nasal strip at bedtime and running a warm-mist humidifier in your bedroom. Tingling hands (carpal tunnel): Swelling during pregnancy can put pressure on nerves in the wrists and cause the aching and tingling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. If you work at a computer all day, take frequent hand-stretching breaks and make sure your wrists are straight and your elbows aren't higher than your hands when you’re at your desk. Bleeding gums: Reduce irritation to your gums (which are swelling more than usual these days due to hormones), by avoiding chewy sweets, brushing and flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist at least once while you’re expecting.	Week 24 Pregnancy Symptoms Constipation: There is a good reason for pregnancy constipation — pregnancy hormones cause intestinal muscles to relax in order to keep food in your digestive system longer so you and your baby can absorb more nutrients. But just because it's for a good cause, that doesn’t make it pleasant. Drink lots of water and fruit and vegetable juices to get things moving faster through your system and to soften your stool, making it easier to pass. Occasional headaches: If you find that your headaches last for days, are severe, and are sometimes accompanied by nausea or vision changes, you may have migraines. Let your practitioner know about your migraines and keep a journal recording what you ate, where you were, and what you were doing before you experienced a migraine so that you can pinpoint your migraine triggers — and start to avoid them. Lower abdominal achiness: As your uterus continues to expand, the ligaments that support your uterus continue to stretch — and may cause some pain. Occasional achiness in this area is normal, but if the discomfort is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, chills, or bleeding, see your practitioner. Backaches: Back pain is quite common during pregnancy, but if your discomfort is severe, ask your practitioner to refer you to a specialist such as a physical therapist or acupuncturist. Leg cramps: When leg cramps start to cramp your style, try straightening your leg and gently flexing your ankle and toes up toward your shins several times. This can stop the spasm. Vision changes: Are your contact lenses bothering you lately — or is your vision sometimes blurry? Pregnancy hormones can decrease tear production (causing eye irritation) and increase fluid buildup in the eye, temporarily altering your vision. This should pass shortly after delivery, so don’t go out and get any new eyeglass or contact-lens prescriptions while you’re expecting. Mild swelling of ankles and feet: Don’t be alarmed if the swelling in your feet has caused you to “grow” out of your favorite shoes. Simply do what you can to avoid letting body fluids (which increase during pregnancy) pool in your legs — so that means elevating your legs when you’re sitting.
	7	Week 25 Pregnancy Symptoms Heartburn or indigestion: Does it feel as if stomach acids are burning up your esophagus and setting fire to your chest? Always have some Tums or Rolaids nearby so you can cool your heartburn as soon as it strikes. Snoring: Snoring is quite common during pregnancy since increased blood flow to mucous membranes in your nose can cause congestion. But if you find your snoring is seriously interfering with your sleep, this could be a sign that you have sleep apnea (which can deprive you of oxygen) — so ask your practitioner about it. Tingling hands (carpal tunnel): Increased blood volume during pregnancy can cause swelling that puts pressure on nerves in the wrists, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome. Ask your practitioner about wearing wrist braces, or consider trying acupuncture to alleviate the pain and tingling. Varicose veins: The extra blood volume you produce during pregnancy also puts pressure on your blood vessels and causes them to bulge, resulting in varicose veins. Help keep blood circulating by avoiding clothes that are binding. Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD): If you’re feeling pain in the pelvic area, you may be experiencing SPD, caused by relaxed and stretchy ligaments that normally keep your pelvic joint (the symphysis pubis) aligned. Stay on top of your Kegel exercises and pelvic tilts, which will strengthen the muscles in that region, and if pain is severe, ask your practitioner for a referral to a physical therapist. Restless legs syndrome (RLS): As if you didn’t have enough to worry about with tingling hands, you may also feel a tingling in your legs accompanied by an urge to move them. Ask your practitioner to test you for iron-deficiency anemia since some experts think it’s linked to RLS; keep a food journal too — some women find that a sensitivity to certain foods makes symptoms worse. Skin, hair, and nail changes: Because normal daily hair loss is suppressed by pregnancy hormones, you may notice that your hair feels thicker and more lustrous than ever before. Enjoy it now — after delivery, all the hair that didn’t fall out during pregnancy will shed.	Week 26 Pregnancy Symptoms Bloating: Your expanding uterus continues to put more and more pressure on your stomach and intestines, resulting in the bloating you probably feel. Minimize the problem by eating several small meals a day instead of three large ones so that you don’t overload your digestive system. Increased vaginal discharge: If you’re tempted to use special washes and wipes marketed to keep the vagina clean or odor-free, don’t bother. They can be irritating and change the pH in your genital tract. Instead, bathe frequently and wear panty liners (if you like) to stay clean and dry. Occasional headaches: Some women who have a history of migraines have them more often when they’re pregnant (some lucky ducks experience fewer of them), so don’t be surprised if yours flare up more these days. Since strong migraine medications are probably off-limits for you now, consider holistic therapies such as acupuncture, biofeedback, massage, meditation, and yoga (these techniques can also help reduce stress, which is a migraine trigger). Forgetfulness: Has “pregnancy brain” caused you to forget some crucial meetings or bits of information lately? While this decrease in memory is temporary and totally normal, try writing key things down in a trusty notepad or your PDA to help you stay organized for the rest of your pregnancy. Clumsiness: Your loosened joints, shifted center of gravity, and added weight are just a few of the factors that cause you to slip, trip, and fall more often than usual. This clumsiness is temporary, but for now, be extra careful in the tub, shower, and on other slippery surfaces. Lower abdominal achiness: If the “growing pains” caused by your expanding uterus (technically called round ligament pain) are feeling particularly achy lately, get off your feet when you can and get as comfortable as possible. Also, remember to shift positions slowly so as not to aggravate the pain. Vision changes: If your eyes are feeling irritated, that’s probably because pregnancy hormones decrease tear production, which leads to dry eyes. Use eye drops to ease the discomfort, and be sure to tell your practitioner if you develop serious vision problems since this could be a sign of gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.	Week 27 Pregnancy Symptoms Flatulence: Your growing uterus may be putting extra pressure on your rectum, causing you to lose some control over the muscles in your rear. Add your sluggish digestive system to the equation (thanks to pregnancy hormones that relax intestinal muscles) and you may find that you’re particularly gassy. Try to eat six small meals a day (instead of three large ones) so you don’t overtax your digestive system. Occasional faintness or dizziness: If you thought your days of feeling light-headed were over after your first trimester, think again; for some women, that bulging belly puts pressure on blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the brain and causes dizziness. Keep blood circulating and pumping to your brain by drinking plenty of water each day. Possible nasal congestion: High levels of estrogen and progesterone increase blood flow to the mucous membranes in your nose, causing them to swell. If your stuffy nose is making it hard for you to breathe at night — or making you snore — try wearing a nasal strip at bedtime to open up your nostrils. Restless legs syndrome (RLS): For some expectant women, it may feel as if their legs take on a life of their own — tingling and jittery — especially when they lie down at night. Talk to your practitioner about this (in some women RLS is linked to iron-deficiency anemia or a sensitivity to certain foods), and consider yoga or other relaxation techniques, which may help. Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD): This weird pregnancy symptom develops when the hormone relaxin makes the ligaments in your pelvic joint too relaxed and stretchy, causing the pelvic joint to become unstable. If this is causing you pain, ask your practitioner about wearing a pelvic support belt (available online), which stabilizes the ligaments and helps keep the pelvic joint in place. Bleeding gums: Inflamed and irritated gums are quite common during pregnancy since ramped-up hormones may cause gums to swell and leave your mouth more vulnerable to bacteria and plaque. When you brush your teeth, remember to brush your tongue as well to minimize the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Skin, hair, and nail changes: Pregnancy hormones can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin — particularly if you have darker skin to begin with. This can result in darker freckles or moles, a dark line down the center of your tummy (linea nigra), or patches of darkened skin on your face (called chloasma). Don’t worry, most discolorations fade a few months after giving birth — just do your best to stay in the shade since sunlight can intensity hyperpigmentation.
Third Trimester	8	Week 29 Pregnancy Symptoms Constipation: Pregnancy hormones cause your muscles (including those in your bowel) to relax, which can cause your system to get backed up. One way to get on track is to eat yogurt with the probiotic acidophilus (look for yogurt brands that contain “live active cultures”) since these beneficial bacteria can aid in digestion and help get things moving. Occasional headaches: When a headache (even a migraine) hits, alleviate pain by lying down in a quiet, dark room with a cold compress on your neck or forehead. Hemorrhoids: If the veins in your rectum have begun to bulge and pop out (as a result of increased pressure and blood flow to the pelvic area), reduce discomfort and irritation by using gentle wipes or warm water on soft toilet paper after bowel movements and, of course, drinking lots of fluids so your stool isn't hard. Forgetfulness: No wonder your brain feels especially foggy these days — hormones are wreaking havoc on your memory and your brain-cell volume actually decreases during the third trimester. Try not to take this temporary pregnancy symptom to heart — stressing about it will only cloud your pregnancy brain even more. Itchy abdomen: Your stretched-out belly can cause your skin to become dry and itchy. Apply moisturizer regularly and consider soaking in a warm oatmeal bath to ease the itch. Skin, hair, and nail changes: Even though your nails may be growing faster than ever, pregnancy hormones may also cause them to become dry and brittle. Trim them regularly. Difficulty sleeping: If heartburn is keeping you up at night, avoid eating too much and chowing down too close to bedtime. Also, avoid coffee or chocolate in the evening since these energizers will make it harder for you to get to sleep.	Week 30 Pregnancy Symptoms Stronger fetal activity: You can expect to feel your baby moving every day — sometimes with a punch or a kick (your itty-bitty boxer is getting stronger!), other times with a wiggle or a stretch. You can also expect more activity after you’ve had a snack or meal and (sadly!) when you’re lying down. Flatulence: As your uterus expands it puts pressure on your rectum, which can weaken muscle control and lead to uncontrollable passing of gas. Drink plenty of water to avoid constipation (which aggravates the condition). Bloating: Your expanding uterus (that third-trimester culprit) is pressing into the stomach and intestines, making that bloated feeling worse this week (and for the next several weeks). Eat smaller (and more frequent) meals to avoid overloading your digestive system. Constipation: Even if you managed to conquer constipation earlier in your pregnancy, you may have to contend with a return to more-sluggish bowels (thank your ever-expanding uterus, which is putting pressure on your bowels). Remember that fluids and fiber are your friends, as are probiotics (you can find them in yogurts). Occasional faintness or dizziness: It’s a common pregnancy symptom, but mention it to your practitioner (especially if you do faint). You can stop a dizzy spell by lying down and elevating your feet as soon as you feel light-headed. Bleeding gums: Thanks to pregnancy hormones, your gums could be swollen, inflamed, and even bleeding. Although bleeding gums are common (and will probably go away after delivery), take extra-good care of your teeth and gums right now: Brush and floss twice a day. Stretch marks: As your skin stretches to accommodate your growing belly and body, you (and 90 percent of the pregnant set) are probably starting to see the pink or red streaks known as stretch marks. There’s no miracle cure for stretch marks, so don’t blow the bucks on expensive creams that promise to make them disappear. (Creams will soothe your itchy belly, though.) Mild swelling of ankles and feet: About 75 percent of pregnant women suffer from puffy ankles and feet. Besides wearing comfy shoes, you can relieve your swollen tootsies by taking breaks and putting your feet up. (You deserve it!) Fatigue: Your second trimester get-up-and-go may have upped and left now. Your growing baby is putting more demands on your body, and insomnia may be leaving you pooped during the day. Now’s the time to ask for help (a skill that will come in handy after childbirth), especially doing something strenuous.	Week 31 Pregnancy Symptoms More frequent urination: Your uterus puts more pressure on your bladder in the third trimester, giving it less room to store urine. Cut down on the bathroom trips by double voiding: Pee, then when you’re done, pee again. That’ll make sure you’ve emptied your bladder completely. Occasional headaches: If tension is twisting your head up in knots, try spending a few minutes in a dark, quiet room. If you’re at work, close your eyes and put your feet up for 15 minutes. Varicose veins: Your growing uterus is also putting pressure on your blood vessels, which along with pregnancy hormones and increased blood volume creates the perfect set-up for varicose veins. Take a walk (or even better, several) during the day, or make sure to get in some other form of low-key, circulation-boosting exercise. Possible nasal congestion: As if a swollen belly, feet, and fingers weren’t enough, now you may be contending with swollen nasal passages, making for one stuffy feeling. You’ll get relief when you deliver, but until then saline sprays or nasal strips can help clear up the stuffiness. (Antihistamines and nasal sprays are usually off-limits, but check in with your practitioner for other recommendations). Lower abdominal achiness: Blame that growing belly of yours again for those growing pains around your middle. The best thing to do? Yep, you know the drill: Get off your feet for a while. Backaches: That burgeoning belly can also do a number on your back as it curves to accommodate the load. If you haven’t already, now is the time to incorporate some prenatal yoga into your exercise routine — the stretches will relax your back (and your mind!). Increasing clumsiness: Your shifting posture (not to mention your increasing girth) and lack of concentration (see below) may make you clumsier these days. Take it easy when you’re climbing into the shower or tub and roll up any area rugs that could trip you up at home. Forgetfulness: Welcome to mommy (to-be) brain — a condition that’s a result of shrinking brain-cell volume in the third trimester (don’t worry — your brain cells go back to normal a few months after delivery). Don’t stress out about your foggy memory (stress just makes it worse). Write things down (or program them into your smart phone) and delegate responsibility (if possible). Difficulty sleeping: This is another common third-trimester woe, caused by a constellation of other conditions, such as leg cramps, heartburn, frequent urination, and plain old anxiety (with a dash of pregnancy hormones). If tension keeps you tossing and turning all night, talk it out with friends (or other WTE members) or your partner during the day.	Week 32 Pregnancy Symptoms Flatulence: To minimize that gassy feeling, aim for eating six small meals a day (versus three large ones) so that you don’t strain your digestive system (which is being taxed enough by your growing belly bearing down on it). Bloating: Your slower metabolism (which has slowed down to give the food you eat more time to enter the bloodstream and nourish your baby) can cause bloating. Stick to your pregnancy diet and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation (see below), which aggravates bloating. Constipation: Your growing uterus is cramping your bowels, making them sluggish and irregular. Get some regular exercise (anything helps, from brisk walks to prenatal yoga), and drink up! Occasional faintness or dizziness: Feeling faint or light-headed can be a result of any number of things, including low blood sugar. Don’t forget to carry a protein-and-carb-rich snack in your bag to munch on when you feel dizzy. Granola bars, trail mix, or soy chips are a great choice, and may keep light-headedness at bay. Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids, which are actually varicose veins in the rectum, can be a pain in the rear (literally!), especially if you spend a lot of time sitting. Ice packs or witch hazel can soothe, as can warm baths. Leg cramps: Just as you’re ready to drift off to dreamland you may feel a painful spasm in your calves — though no one is quite sure what causes the pain (or why it’s worse at night). One theory: a lack of calcium and magnesium in your diet. Ask your practitioner if taking an extra calcium supplement is a good idea, and be certain you’re devouring your dose of daily dairy (bring on the cheese and yogurt!). Itchy abdomen: That swelling belly is getting itchier and itchier, as the skin stretches and dries out. If slathering on creams and moisturizers doesn’t help, try calamine or some other type of anti-itch lotion that soothe more-stubborn cases. Or add oatmeal to your bath and have a soak in warm (not hot) water. Enlarged breasts and colostrum: As your breasts get bigger in the third trimester, they may also leak a yellowish fluid called colostrum, which is the precursor to breast milk. This liquid, packed with protein and antibodies, is the first milk your baby will get. If the leaks are getting uncomfortable, try wearing nursing pads.
	9	Week 33 Pregnancy Symptoms Stronger fetal activity: You can test for fetal movement twice a day — in the morning and evening. Check the clock and start counting every wiggle, roll, kick, or flutter until you reach ten. If by the end of the hour you haven’t felt at least ten, have a snack or some juice, lie down, and resume counting. (Your baby just may have needed an energy-boost, too!) Occasional headaches: Third-trimester fatigue can sometimes trigger headaches now, so make sure you’re getting plenty of rest. But try not to make up for loss of sleep by napping too much during the weekends — oversleeping can lead to headaches, too. Varicose veins: Sure they’re ugly (and sometimes painful), but if you’re worried that your varicose veins can be harmful too, you can relax. The good news? If you didn’t have them before you got pregnant, they’ll disappear soon after you give birth. Lower abdominal achiness: If your belly is aching when you change positions or get up suddenly, you could be suffering from round ligament pain (or growing pains). As long as it’s occasional and you don’t have fever, chills, or bleeding along with it, there’s nothing to worry about. Getting off your feet (and getting comfy) helps. Nail changes: Pregnancy hormones can make nails grow faster but can also cause them to become brittle. If your nails are brittle, try getting lots of biotin in your diet (stock up on bananas, avocados, nuts, and whole grains) and try gelatin capsules, which are safe in pregnancy. Protruding navel: Your belly button may have popped by. Is there anything you can do about it? Not really — but it will pop back in a few months after you deliver. Shortness of breath: That burgeoning belly is pushing anything out of its way — including your lungs, which can’t fully expand. It’s more uncomfortable for you than it is for your baby, who is getting the oxygen she needs from the placenta. What helps? Standing as straight as you can so that your lungs have a little more room. Increasing clumsiness: A bigger belly means a shift in your center of gravity and that can spell clumsiness. What to do about it? Slow down and take it easy — rushing will only make you clumsier. Forgetfulness: That foggy brain could be caused by your baby’s gender. Strange but true: Women pregnant with girls tend to be more forgetful than those moms-to-be who are carrying boys. Braxton Hicks contractions: These practice contractions are most often felt by moms who’ve already gone through a pregnancy. How do you know they’re not the real thing? Even at their most intense, changing your position (from sitting to lying down, from lying down to walking around) will usually make them disappear.	Week 34 Pregnancy Symptoms Flatulence: As your third trimester progresses, you may be getting gassier. Anxiety just makes those gassy feelings worse — you tend to swallow more air when you’re stressed — so try this tension tamer: Breathe deeply through your nose and out through your mouth for a minute or two each day. Constipation: Need to rev up those slow-moving bowels? Rough up your diet with some dried fruits, fruits and veggies, and whole grains. One thing you don’t want to do — take laxatives (even herbal ones). Get your practitioner on board before taking any medicine for constipation. Increased vaginal discharge: As your pregnancy progresses, you could see an increase in vaginal discharge. Blame pregnancy hormones (especially estrogen) for this symptom — they increase blood flow to the pelvic area and stimulate the mucous membranes (making your juices flow). Wearing undies with a cotton crotch can keep you drier (and that can curb odors). Hemorrhoids: Constipation’s almost constant sidekick? Hemorrhoids. These pesky piles can be kept to a minimum by doing Kegels, which can improve circulation to the area. Backaches: Your shifting center of gravity from back to belly puts more pressure and (ouch!) pain on your lower back. There are many solutions to cure your aching back, so if one doesn’t work, another most certainly will. One to try: Take a break and stretch, stand, or walk. Sitting too long can make your back hurt even more. Leg cramps: Leg cramps are most common around now, when the three main culprits — pregnancy weight, swelling, and fatigue — are at their peak. If you feel a spasm, try standing on a cold surface (that can sometimes stop one). Stretch marks: If you’re fair-haired and have a genetic predisposition toward stretch marks, you’re more likely to get them than someone who’s darker-haired (or skinned). But no matter what your skin or hair color, you can try to keep these classic marks of maternity to a minimum by keeping your weight gain slow and steady. Mild swelling of ankles and feet: As you get bigger and your body tissues accumulate and retain fluids, you may experience swelling in your ankles, feet, and fingers. Slipping into comfy slippers at the end of the workday can help soothe your swollen tootsies. Hair changes: You knew your hair would grow faster and more lustrous while you were pregnant, but you probably didn’t expect it to grow in places you weren’t expecting — like your cheeks, chin, and back. Waxing is safe during pregnancy; but since skin is extra-sensitive now, ask for a formula for sensitive skin. Shortness of breath: As your pregnant belly gets bigger, your lungs won’t be able to expand as fully, so you may feel winded, even after a trip to the bathroom. Sleeping propped on your left side can help at night, and just take it easy. Difficulty sleeping: If you’re not worrying about your impending D-day, then leg cramps and trips to bathroom are banishing any chance of shut-eye. Try lulling yourself to sleep with a warm bath and a cup of warm milk and read a book or listen to music instead of surfing the net or watching TV (those activities can keep you up). Leaking colostrum: As your due date approaches and the third trimester wears on, your breasts may leak colostrum — yellowish pre-milk that will be your baby’s first drink. You won’t be leaking more than a few drops, but if you feel uncomfortable, try nursing pads.	Week 35 Pregnancy Symptoms Heartburn or indigestion: Is your heartburn getting worse this week? That’s because your growing baby is taking over your abdominal real estate and pushing your stomach up. Avoid eating while you’re reclining — or lying down after a big meal (no matter how tempted you are to get off your feet). Occasional headaches: If your head is pounding it could be for a number of reasons, including being overheated or stuck in a stuffy room. Take a break and go out for some air or open the window. Also ask your practitioner which pain reliever is safe (in moderation) during pregnancy. Most doctors will okay acetaminophen, as long as you don’t overdo. Varicose veins: Have the varicose veins in your legs begun to ache (or itch)? Though support hose probably isn’t the hot-mama look you were trying to cultivate, it can help by giving the veins in your legs a little extra upward push to counteract the downward push your belly is giving them. Hemorrhoids: Varicose veins can pop up anywhere — and those that appear in your rectum are called hemorrhoids. To soothe them, wipe yourself with warm water and toilet paper. If toilet paper is too harsh, switch to wipes. Bleeding gums: Your gums may still be bleeding or tender now. To boost gum strength, get plenty of vitamin C. Drink an extra glass of OJ, sprinkle berries on your oatmeal or cereal, and toss tomatoes in your salad. Skin changes: If you’ve suddenly got an itchy, bumpy rash on your belly, you could have PUPPP, which stands for “pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy.” The rashes are benign and cause no risk to your baby or to you, but they’re annoying. To soothe the itch, try applying aloe-vera gel after a shower or bath. Increasing clumsiness: Balancing your body gets harder this week as you waddle toward the finish line (just a few more weeks to go!). Continue to play it safe — if you need to reach for something on a high shelf, ask your partner instead of climbing on a chair to get it. Forgetfulness: You’re probably getting more absentminded as you count down the weeks. Your brain-cell volume really is shrinking and your bouts of sleeplessness don’t help, either. Expect the fog to lift a few months after your baby is born. Braxton Hicks contractions: You may be experiencing some contractions as your body gets ready for the real thing during labor. Haven’t felt one yet? First-time moms-to-be may not notice the flexing of their uterine muscles (which feels like your abdomen is tightening).	Week 36 Pregnancy Symptoms Changes in fetal activity: As your baby’s quarters get more cramped and she has less room to maneuver, expect her movements to change too. You should still feel her moving, but there will be less jabbing and kicking, and a lot more squirming. Heartburn or indigestion: As your stomach gets pushed up and squeezed by your uterus, you may feel like eating less at mealtimes. That’s not necessarily bad news. Smaller meals are better for your digestive system and may actually control heartburn. Flatulence: As if heartburn weren’t enough, you’re probably passing gas and burping like a frat boy. This too shall pass (pun intended). In the meantime, go for smaller meals (which will help the heartburn) and try not to rush while eating (you’ll swallow more air). Constipation: If it’s getting worse, blame your belly again (a convenient scapegoat!). The same mini-meals that will help ease heartburn and flatulence are also a good way to counteract constipation — and for the same reason. They won’t tax your digestive tract as much. More frequent urination: Your baby might have dropped into your pelvis by now, crowding your bladder. So it’s no wonder you’re going to the bathroom as much as you did during your first two months of pregnancy. Don’t cut back on liquids — your body needs fluids to stay hydrated now more than ever. Increased vaginal discharge, possibly tinged with blood: The discharge from your vagina may be increasing and getting thicker. Don’t be shocked if you notice the mucus is pinkish, red, or brownish after you’ve had sex or a vaginal examination. That just means that your cervix, which is sensitive now and may be starting to dilate, has been bruised. Pelvic pressure and discomfort: Feeling pretty heavy down there in the pelvic region? That’s your baby burrowing deep into the pelvis as she prepares for birth, with her head pressing down on your bladder, hips, and pelvis. Try some pelvic tilts, or take a (long) soak in the tub to give yourself a break. Itchy abdomen: Your belly might be stretched to the breaking point (or at least feel that way). Creams containing cocoa butter or vitamin E can soothe that itchy abdomen and bring some relief. (Better still, get your partner to rub it on your belly and do some bonding with the baby underneath!) Increased swelling of ankles and feet: Edema (pregnancy swelling) may be getting more noticeable now as your body retains more fluids. So not only will your ankles and feet be swollen, but your face and hands (and fingers) may be too. Keep drinking water and other liquids. All those fluids will help rid your system of excess sodium and other waste products, which will minimize swelling. Difficulty sleeping: Sleep may be more elusive than ever as you toss this way and that looking for the perfect position. Make sure your room isn’t too stuffy (you’re sure to feel overheated as the night wears on) by opening a window or lowering the thermostat. Fatigue or extra energy: It’s normal to be tired by the time you hit week 36. But you may also get the burst of extra energy known as the nesting instinct — a need to get organized and ready for the baby. If you do feel energized, take breaks to rest and eat.
	10	Week 37 Pregnancy Symptoms Changes in fetal activity: By the time your baby’s head is engaged in your pelvis, he’ll have a lot less room for any more than a twist or squirm. What’s important is that you feel some movement every day. Remember, though, that your baby is behaving like a newborn now and has interludes of deep sleep, when he barely moves at all. Heartburn or indigestion: If your heartburn is getting worse these days, try eating a handful of almonds. Other home remedies that may banish the burn: a tablespoon of honey in warm milk or some dried papaya. Cervical dilation or effacement: To get ready for labor, your cervix will dilate (open up) and efface (get thinner). For some women, the two take place gradually, over a period of weeks or months. Others can efface and dilate overnight. You won’t be able to feel it, but your practitioner will be able to tell during an internal exam. Bloody show: A pink- or brown-tinged mucus discharge means that the blood vessels in the cervix are rupturing as the cervix dilates in preparation for labor and delivery (it won’t be long now!). Varicose veins: If the veins in your legs are acting up now, try sleeping on your left side, which is the best position for optimum circulation. Also try elevating your legs by putting a pillow under your feet. Both positions will keep the blood flowing. Pelvic pressure and discomfort: If your baby’s head is pressing into your pelvis, hips, and bladder, you’ll feel more pressure as the week wears on. If you feel really uncomfortable, invest in a belly sling that will support the weight of your belly and take pressure off your back (see below) and pelvis. Leg cramps: If leg cramps are making a misery of your nights, try drinking more fluids during the day and make sure you’re eating enough calcium (those almonds you’re munching for the heartburn come in handy again!) and magnesium. All three can help with leg cramps. Stretch marks: With your boobs and belly (and possibly butt) as big as they’ve ever been, you’ve probably noticed those classic marks of maternity by now. Don’t worry, they’ll fade into silvery lines and turn into a badge of pride (or at least motherhood!) a few months after childbirth. Protruding parts: Your innie probably became an outie weeks ago, but you may notice that your nipples are also popping now — all the better for a newborn to latch on when nursing. Forgetfulness: There are so many things to keep track of now (Is the camera charged and packed? Do you have a baby outfit washed and ready to bring to the hospital? How many dinners are stocked in the freezer?) that it’s no wonder you’re walking around in a fog. Post reminders around the house and on your computer so you won’t forget appointments. Difficulty sleeping: You’ve heard that pregnancy insomnia is Mother Nature’s way to prepare you for the sleepless nights ahead, but try to squeeze in some shut-eye so you have enough energy for childbirth and beyond. Sleep in a little longer, nap when you come home after work or on weekends, and give yourself a relaxing routine when it’s time for bed.	Week 38 Pregnancy Symptoms More frequent urination: If you’re going to the bathroom a lot these days, it’s likely that your baby’s head is in your pelvis, and it’s making less room for your bladder. You may want to skip caffeine and any other diuretic drinks now. Just don’t skip liquids altogether — you need fluids now so you can stay hydrated as you get closer to delivering. Increased vaginal discharge: You may be experiencing more discharge now, and you may even pass the mucous plug — a clear glob of mucus that’s been corking your cervix throughout your pregnancy — as your cervix dilates. Does this mean that labor is imminent? Maybe. But it could be days, or even weeks, away. Bloody show: The vaginal discharge can also be tinged a pinkish or brownish color as the blood vessels in the cervix rupture during dilation and effacement. Once your underwear (or toilet paper) is tinged pink or brown, it could mean that you’ll be face-to-face with your baby sooner rather than later. Diarrhea: Loose bowel movements are nature’s way to make enough room for the baby to emerge, so if you’re having diarrhea this week it may mean that labor is imminent (yay!). Drink lots of water and eat lightly — broth, toast, and iced fruit pops are the way to go now. Skip fatty foods or anything that’s fiber-rich. Itchy abdomen: One way to soothe an itchy belly? Slather on the vitamin E oil. In fact, you might want to stock up on an extra bottle of vitamin E capsules — it’s also great for sore nipples, which are in your near future if you’re planning to breastfeed. Increased swelling of ankles and feet: If swollen ankles and feet are getting you down, now’s the time for some support — hose, that is. Make sure the tops aren’t too tight if you’re going for knee- or thigh-high hose. Put them on in the morning before the daily swelling starts. Difficulty sleeping: Your mind is racing so much you can’t sleep. Don’t turn on the computer to get on the message boards or search for info on labor and delivery. That will just keep you up longer when you do go to bed. Instead, grab something low-tech &mdsh; a book or a magazine — and read for a bit. That will soothe you to sleep faster. Fatigue or extra energy: A change in energy levels is pretty common this week. You may be increasingly exhausted or you may get a burst of energy (also known as the nesting instinct) as you try to organize and clean the house before the baby comes. Go ahead and clean, but don’t wear yourself out. Save that energy for childbirth instead of squandering it on a clean closet. Enlarged breasts and colostrum: Your breasts may be bigger than they’ve ever been (though they will get even bigger!) and leaking colostrum. If they’re not leaky or bigger, don’t worry. Neither is a sign that you’ll have difficulty breastfeeding (if that’s what you plan to do). Braxton Hicks contractions: These practice contractions may be getting more intense now. This is a good time to practice your breathing and visualization techniques. If your partner is around, make him practice along.	Week 39 Pregnancy Symptoms More frequent Braxton Hicks contractions: If you’ve been experiencing these practice contractions, they may be getting stronger now. But if you haven’t had a contraction yet, don’t worry. Braxton Hicks contractions are more common in second (and subsequent) pregnancies. Slowdown in fetal activity: As her living quarters become more cramped, you may notice a slowdown in fetal movement. Your baby’s coordination has improved and he’s less likely to make involuntary jabs (even if he had the room). Heartburn or indigestion: Your heartburn may be at its peak now. Don’t worry, relief is around the corner when you deliver. For relief now, drink liquids before or after meals instead of during. Bloody show or loss of mucous plug: The discharge from your vagina might be tinged with blood (either pinkish or brownish) as the blood vessels in the cervix rupture. Don’t worry — it’s a sign that your cervix is dilating, or opening up, and that’s a good thing. Another event that may occur this week: The mucous plug may fall out (and into the toilet). Losing it isn’t a sign that childbirth is hours away, but it does mean it’s around the corner. Rupture of membranes (possibly): Another sign that labor may be near — if your amniotic sac breaks and gushes out fluid. But don’t worry about causing a flood while you’re standing in the grocery checkout line. Despite what you’ve seen in movies, most women are in labor (and in the hospital) by the time their water breaks. If yours does break, call your practitioner. Diarrhea or nausea: As your body gets ready for childbirth, the muscles may loosen in your rectum, resulting in loose bowel movements. You may also suffer some nausea. It’s important to keep drinking water to avoid dehydration. Hemorrhoids: If you’re experiencing diarrhea, your hemorrhoids may actually be less painful now since you’re not straining to move your bowels the way you did when you were constipated. Just be aware that pushing during labor can aggravate hemorrhoids, so stock up on all the soothers that brought you relief. Pelvic pressure and discomfort: Your baby’s head is putting pressure on your pelvis, making you feel uncomfortable. Other symptoms of discomfort could include menstrual-like cramps and indigestion, which can also be signs of early contractions. Backaches: Your backaches could be worse now as you count down the final weeks. You can soothe a sore back by getting into the shower and letting the warm water pulse onto your back.	Week 40 Pregnancy Symptoms More frequent Braxton Hicks contractions: Wondering if those contractions you’re feeling this week are the practice Braxton Hicks contractions or the real thing? If they don’t increase in frequency or severity, or if they subside when you walk around or change position, then they are probably just practice contractions. Slowdown in fetal activity: Even though your baby’s movements have slowed down, he still should be moving around in there. How much movement is normal? You should be able to count ten flutters, wiggles, or rolls in an hour. Heartburn or indigestion: Your heartburn may be a thing of the past in a few days. In the meantime, get some relief by chewing gum after every meal (as well as popping those Tums). Cervical dilation or effacement: Although you won’t feel your cervix opening or thinning out, it is probably happening this week. Dilation is measured in centimeters and effacement in percentages; after an internal exam, your practitioner will probably give you the measurements. The cervix will continue to dilate (and efface) through early and active labor. Diarrhea or nausea: Your bowels take a beating during pregnancy — and it seems as if they go from one extreme (sluggish) to the other (loose). This week, loose bowel movements may be a sign that your labor is imminent. So if you have other signs — bloody show, your baby has dropped, your mucous plug has fallen out — you may be meeting your baby face-to-face soon! Pelvic pressure and discomfort: If your baby has dropped this week, the uncomfortable feeling in your pelvis may be traced to a certain someone’s little head bumping up against your hips and bladder. If you have the time, schedule a massage with a certified prenatal massage therapist; it’ll soothe the discomfort. Leg cramps: While no one really knows what causes those painful spasms in your legs, it’s a good bet that carrying around all that pregnancy weight (especially this week!) is a pain in the legs. When a spasm hits, gently flexing your ankle and toes back toward your shin can help. Difficulty sleeping: As tempting as it is to try herbal supplements or other over-the-counter sleep aids, don’t. Instead, ask your partner for a relaxing massage Fatigue or extra energy: Changes in energy level are pretty common this week. Maybe you’ve been hit by the nesting instinct or maybe you just have an urge to slump in front of the TV and veg out. Don’t worry — both are completely normal, as is alternating between the two states.