• Last updated 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 25: Third Trimester Common Concerns Somewhere in our lives, each of us needs a free place, a little psychic territory. Do you have yours? -Gloria Steinem     What's Happening in Your Body? For some women the middle of pregnancy marks a time when sex becomes pleasurable again. They've had a chance to work through morning sickness and have become well adjusted to pregnancy. Some women find that they are more aware of their bodies than ever before, and may even experience heightened... read more

• Last updated 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 26: Dealing with fear Your fear is a measure of your courage. -Jack Johnston, Psychotherapist       What's Happening in Your Body? You may begin to notice a clear liquid leaking from your nipples. This is the beginning of the milk glands' production of colostrum, a vital substance that will feed your baby in the first couple of days after birth, before your breastmilk comes in. You may need a breast pad at this time, but most likely there will not be enough liquid to stain your... read more

• Last updated 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 27: Third Trimester Diagnostic Tests The human animal needs a privacy seldom mentioned, freedom from intrusion. He needs a little privacy as much as he wants understanding or vitamins or exercise or praise. -Phyllis McGinley   What's Happening in Your Body? Gum swelling and bleeding is not uncommon during pregnancy because of increased blood flow. It is important to visit your dentist for a checkup during your pregnancy at least once - be sure to inform them that you are pregnant,... read more

• Last updated 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 28: How to choose the right diapers She broke the bread into two fragments and gave them to the children, who ate with avidity. “She hath kept none for herself,” grumbled the Sergeant. “Because she is not hungry,” said a soldier. “Because she is a mother,” said the Sergeant. -Victor Hugo, Les Misérable What's Happening in Your Body? Stretch marks may begin to appear on your abdomen, and possibly on your breasts. Although these will not completely disappear after your baby is born,... read more

• Last updated 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 29: Making Decisions About Work and Career No one can sufficiently capture in words the euphoria, the gratitude, and the total delight which can follow a natural birth. The “high” of these moments is spiritual to the utmost, while remaining utterly physical. -Qahira Qalbi   What's Happening in Your Body? Some women feel breast tenderness in the third trimester. This is normal. As you approach the last trimester of pregnancy it is a good idea to check with your practitioner before... read more

• Last updated 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 30: Creating a Network of Other Moms     A friend is a gift you give yourself. -Robert Louis Stevenson     What's Happening in Your Body? Leg cramps, especially before bed, or during the night are not unusual. This is uncomfortable, but nothing to be concerned about. Try stretching and massaging your calves for relief. What's Happening with Your Baby? Your baby weighs between two and three pounds. She is slowly gaining stores of body fat and her hands are about one-inch... read more

• Last updated 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 31: Preparing for your Homebirth I am open to the guidance of synchronicity, and do not let expectations hinder my path. -Dalai Lama   What's Happening in Your Body? You may notice an increase in heartburn and indigestion as your expanding uterus puts pressure on your stomach. If this happens, try to avoid hard-to-digest foods, such as very spicy dishes and large amounts of dairy products. What's Happening with Your Baby? You may notice the baby hiccupping more often. This... read more

• Last updated 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 32: Getting Ready for Labor and the First Few Postpartum Weeks Every single human being was drummed into this world by a woman, having listened to the heart rhythms of their mother. -Connie Sauer     What's Happening in Your Body? You may experience shortness of breath as your uterus presses on your diaphragm or ribs. You might find you need to take stairs slowly, and give yourself plenty of time to get from one place to the next. What's Happening with Your Baby? During... read more

• Last updated 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 33: Reviewing Your Birth Choices   What makes a good birth experience [depends on] how we discover that energy and enthusiasm that carry us through any challenging situation in life. -Suzanne Arms, Immaculate Deception   What's Happening in Your Body? You may be able to feel the baby's limbs by pressing gently on your abdomen. Some women can tell where the baby's head is this way, or even identify a little foot or a knee! What's Happening with Your Baby? Your baby's liver is... read more

• Last updated 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 34: What are the Signs of Labor?   There is no way out of the experience except through it, because it is not really your experience at all, but the baby's. Your body is the child's instrument of birth. --Penelope Leach, Your Baby and Child   What's Happening in Your Body? Eating large meals begins to be a challenge for most women around this time. It may be better to eat several small meals throughout the day, rather than sticking to the traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner... read more