The Sixth Month (23 to 27 weeks) By Katie Belt

What To Expect at This Months Checkup Weight and blood pressure Fetal heartbeat Height of fundus Size of uterus and position of fetus Feet and hands for swelling Discussing symptoms

What You May Be Feeling Physically Emotionally Achiness in the lower abdomen and along sides Heartburn Headaches Constipation Bleeding gums Leg cramps Backache Emotionally Fewer mood swings Continued absentmindedness Beginning of boredom Anxiety about future

What You May Be Concerned About Pain and Numbness In The Hands Very normal and is a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. The hands become swollen during pregnancy with the resultant pressure causing numbness, tingling, burning and pain. Clumsiness Temporary clumsiness is caused by loosening of the joints and the retention of water, both make your grasp on objects less firm and secure. Baby Kicking The babies activity is related to what you’ve been doing. When you’re on the go all day, your baby is likely to be pacified by the rhythm of your routine and not notice the kicking. But as soon as you slow down the baby is bound to start acting up.

More Things To Be Concerned About Leg Cramps Very common among pregnant women and have ways of preventing and alleviating them. Itchy Abdomen Pregnant bellies are itchy bellies, they become progressively itchier as the months pass and this skin is stretched across the abdomen. Belly Button As the swelling uterus pushes forward, the belly button also pushes forward. It is most likely to revert back in but will be wider than it was before pregnancy.

And More Things To Be Concerned About Preeclampsia or Toxemia Only occurs in 5 to 10 percent of pregnancies and half of these cases are among women who came into pregnancy with high blood pressure. Staying On The Job Walking up to an hour or two daily is harmless and can beneficial. Studies suggest strenuous activity after the 28th week may increase the risk of premature birth, high blood pressure, and low birth weight of the baby. Women who work at jobs requiring more than four hours in a row a day on their feet should take a leave of absence by the 24th week. The Pain of Childbirth Woman who fear pain the most and those who expect it the lease have a harder time during labor and delivery than women who are realistic in their expectations. Things to do to be prepared: Get educated, get moving, put pain in perspective, don’t plan on doing it alone, and be ready to accept pain relief if needed.

Benefits of Taking A Childbirth Class: Learn accurate and balanced information about normal labor and delivery as well as possible complications. Learn specially designed techniques of relaxation, distraction, muscle control and breathing. Form relationship between the mother and coach. Spend time with other expectant couples. Increase involvement of the father-to-be in pregnancy. Weekly chance to ask questions that come up between prenatal visits.