You can feel the baby’s movements more
By this time, you can feel your baby’s movements more frequently and significantly. Some thrusts and kicks may cause you to feel a pull in your stomach muscles, but this is not a cause for concern, as tension in the uterus will decrease when the baby calms down.
Every baby is unique, so there is no rule as to how much they should move. There is no need to count your baby’s movements every day. Over time, you will understand what movements are characteristic of your baby. Take note if your baby suddenly starts to behave differently or stops moving. If this happens, consult your doctor [1].
During this stage of pregnancy, your legs may swell and hurt. You may also develop varicose veins in the genital area due to increased blood flow related to pregnancy. These are not dangerous and often disappear after childbirth.
When you sleep, put some pillows under your feet to improve circulation. Also, avoid standing on your feet for long periods, sitting cross-legged, or lifting weights. Some pregnant women may be advised by their doctor to wear compression stockings [2].
These days, you may feel that your lower abdomen is contracting, but this is usually painless. If you experience discomfort or minor pain, don’t be afraid, these tend to be false contractions that do not lead to labor. They help your body practice and prepare for childbirth, which is just a few months away. If you feel significant pain, call your doctor [3].
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have pain or a burning sensation when urinating or if you see blood in your urine. These could be signs of a urinary tract infection [4, 5].
If you are expecting twins
Some mothers worry whether its safe for them to always sleep on the same side, because they may think that one twin is always "oppressed". You don’t have to worry! The babies are well protected by amniotic fluid. It’s more important for you to be comfortable and rest well. Sleeping on your back should be avoided. Under the weight of the uterus, the inferior vena cava is oppressed, and the babies may be deprived of oxygen.
Discharge
Any discharge you have at this stage of pregnancy should still be white or milky, uniform, thick, and with a mild odor. The amount of discharge is specific to the individual and depends on your hormonal background. Some women may not have discharge at all, while others have to use daily panty liners.
If your stomach hurts and a bloody or light, watery discharge appears, consult your doctor immediately [6, 7].
