You may have leg cramps and need to urinate frequently
Your baby is growing quickly, and you are growing with them. Adjusting to a big belly is not easy, sometimes it can be difficult to maintain your balance because your center of gravity shifts forward. Don’t be afraid if you accidentally fall, your body will soften the blow for the baby, but do tell your doctor if this happens.
It is probably difficult for you to fall asleep right now due to your body’s changing shape. Rest during the day if possible, and place pillows under your belly and between your legs to make yourself more comfortable. Make sure to sleep on your side [1].
As a baby grows and increases pressure on surrounding organs, many expectant mothers complain of shortness of breath. Breathing difficulties also occur when the baby kicks toward the lungs. It’s nothing to worry about. Try to maintain proper posture to create additional space for your lungs [2].
During this period, circulation in your legs can be affected, causing cramps, which tend to happen at night. To relieve leg cramps, point and flex your feet and rotate them clockwise and counterclockwise. This exercise improves blood circulation [3].
You may have a stronger and seemingly constant urge to urinate because the baby is pressing on the bladder. Drink plenty of water during the day but less in the late evening to avoid going to the bathroom at night, which can interrupt your already irregular sleep.
Some women benefit from doing simple exercises that can relieve pressure on the bladder. For example, you can stand next to a table or wall and place a hand on it to steady yourself and gently shift your center of gravity back and forth in a gentle swinging motion.
Urine can also leak involuntarily, especially when you laugh, cough, or sneeze. To prevent this, you can do exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Discuss this issue with your doctor [2, 4].
If you are expecting twins
This week you will have an ultrasound. You will see how the twins are positioned and discuss a birthing plan with your doctor in advance. If both babies are positioned head first, then natural childbirth is quite possible. In all other configurations, doctors will prefer a cesarean section, though some are ready to accept natural childbirth if one baby is in a head presentation and the other is in a pelvic one [5]. Now is the time to choose a doctor who will deliver your babies and discuss with him or her all possible scenarios.
Discharge
Recurring discharge from the genital tract is normal. Sticky discharge with a light milky color and uniform consistency is not a cause for concern. Foul-smelling, yellow-green, cheesy, or frothy discharge indicates a possible infection, especially if it is painful and itchy. In this case, consult your doctor. If you notice bloody discharge, seek immediate medical attention [6].
If you are starting to get tired of being pregnant, remember that it is almost time to meet your baby. So stay optimistic!
