7th month(2)
Friday, September 26th, 2008
In your 7th month, the movements of your baby will begin to change. As space in the uterus becomes cramped, your baby will make smaller movements such as shifting her elbows and knees. Your baby is likely to curl up and cross her legs. She is getting heavy now, and her weight may throw you off balance. Try to maintain good posture.
Your white vaginal discharge will become increasingly heavy this month and your breasts may begin to leak colostrum. Heartburn is still quite common.
The growing baby puts a lot of pressure on your diaphragm, liver, stomach, and intestines. The additional weight can cause backaches. Your baby puts pressure on your lungs, causing you to feel breathless at times. Your rib cage and pelvis will feel sore as your baby gets bigger. You will feel larger and clumsier, your movements will be slower, and you may begin to waddle.
Maintain good posture to decrease back strain.It is also advisable for you to wear flat shoes. Also ensure that you receive proper nutrition and exercise, to maintain your energy levels and increase your stamina for birth. Physical activities such as swimming fit well into late pregnancy. Don’t over-exercise, though!
Braxton Hicks contractions will continue this month and they will become more noticeable throughout the rest of your pregnancy. These are a tightening of the uterine muscles, which occur every 20 minutes or so. Braxton Hicks contractions serve to prepare the uterus for labour.
At 7 months, most airlines will not allow you to fly any more or they will require a medical certificate from your doctor stating that it is safe for you to travel. You may also want to avoid long car trips, as they will be uncomfortable. If you must travel long distances, make sure you get up and walk around for five minutes every hour to keep your circulation going.
