It's time to sign up for a birthing class
Now is the time to attend a class for future parents. Birth and parenting classes are highly recommended, especially if you are expecting your first child.
In the class, you will receive information about childbirth, breastfeeding, child care, vaccinations, appropriate diet, and other essential information regarding the first months of a child’s life. You can practice the correct breathing techniques for childbirth and learn the principles of self-massage, which can help relieve stress in the first stages of labor.
If your partner is going to be present at the birth, make sure to sign-up for a class designed for couples, not just moms.
During this week of your pregnancy, your baby will become more active, while you may start to feel like slowing down a bit. You might feel less anxiety, but you could also become more absent-minded.
High levels of progesterone will continue to cause edema, including in the nasal region. Nasal congestion during this stage is more likely to be the consequence of edema than infection [1].
You might experience cramps in your lower limbs. These are due to the formation of the baby’s bone system, which requires a lot of calcium and magnesium. A deficiency in calcium or magnesium can cause discomfort. Although some reputable clinics recommend nutritional supplements with calcium and magnesium [2], there is no strong evidence that shows that foods high in these minerals prevent cramps [3].
Comfortable shoes can help. If you are still wearing high heels, it's time to reconsider. Stretching your calf muscles and drinking more water are also recommended [2].
If you are expecting twins
If your twins share the same placenta, then an additional ultrasound is usually ordered at 18 weeks [4]. It can last almost an hour, because it requires great attention to detail. In the course of the study, not only the individual indicators of each child are evaluated, but also their weight relative to each other. The difference in the weight of the babies should not be more than 20%.
Discharge
Different types of discharge can indicate different conditions. If you present leucorrhoea — which is thick and white or yellowish — then you could have an infection and need to be examined by your doctor. You should also report any itching or burning.
If your stomach hurts and your vaginal discharge turns brown or blood-red, you should seek medical attention immediately.
