Dates and numbers: There are 71 days until your due date on February 02, 2010.
You are 209 days pregnant.
You are 6.9 months pregnant.
You are in your 7th month of pregnancy.
Your 1st trimester: April 28, 2009 to July 27, 2009. (0 - 12 weeks)
Your 2nd trimester: July 28, 2009 to November 09, 2009. (13 - 27 weeks)
Your 3rd trimester: November 10, 2009 to February 02, 2010. (28 - 40 weeks)
At this point in your pregnancy, your baby's crown-to-rump length is approximately 10.4 inches and the total length of your baby is around 16.7 inches. Your baby weighs about 2.7 pounds and continues to grow every day. If you measure from your bellybutton, your uterus is 3.5 to 4 inches above it. Total weight gain at this point is usually between 19 and 25 pounds.
Babies that are born prematurely can be very tiny. Even a baby that is only a few weeks early can be very small. Your baby will grow rapidly from now until week 36, and then at a slower rate thereafter. Generally, boys weigh more than girls at birth. The average baby's birth weight at full term is 7 to 7.5 pounds.
You might notice some leakage of colostrums from your breasts around this time. Colostrums is a sticky, watery substance that provides your baby's first food if you choose to breastfeed. Milk does not come in immediately after delivery and colostrums is high in calories and enough for your baby's first few days of life. Your baby is stimulating the production of colostrums. The baby's body is ensuring that there will be a readily available food supply after delivery.
Your baby will continue to open and close his eyes in the womb and may be able to see silhouettes of objects or even people in the right amount of light. Your baby should be moving many times throughout the day. Some of your baby's movements will be predictable and if you notice a decrease in fetal movements, you should lie down and do a fetal kick count. You should feel your baby move approximately ten times in an hour. If you do not notice the proper amount of movements, you should contact your healthcare provider.
Research has shown that your baby is not only able to hear, but also able to recognize your own voice. This shows that your baby can already learn, remember and recognize.
newmomeve - 1.1 hours ago
It's really important to be aware of the rate of C-section at the hospital where you choose to birth. As for Pitocin -- Pitocin is basically synthetic oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone our brains naturally produce when we are feeling LOVE! When birthing, it is so important to focus on love, and openness, and allow those hormones to flow through your body. They support the birthing process, act as a natural pain killer, and move labor along!! FEAR is the enemy of the birth process, as it causes the body to produce adrenilin and shut down the production of oxytocin, thus stalling the birth. This is where Pitocin comes in. Mom is afraid, labor is stalled, drugs are introduce to 'speed things along'. Rather than immeidately introducing Pitocin, doctors should exercise greater patience with mom, and encourage deep relaxation to come out of the Fear-Tension-Pain (Failure To Progress) cycle. When mom can relax, she can go back into the state when oxytocin is released and labor moves along normally. Meditation, visualization, and breathing techniques can all help mom relax and avoid medical intervention. Also, NIPPLE and CLIRTORAL stimulation releases oxytocin!! (I believe this is where the "orgasmic birth" comes in.) So if labor is stalled, and docs are talking pitocin or other interventions, kindly but firmly ask them to leave the room so that your partner can help you come back into a state of relaxation -- with whatever method works!! That said, some women love their epidurals and pitocin, so no disrespect meant to those who prefer the medical birth. To each her own, I just advocate for an educated choice, and too often women are lacking education around these things and think that fear, pain, and intervention are just the way it goes. Doesn't have to be that way if you don't want it to. Very small number of births actually require pitocin as a lifesaving measure. In those cases, absolutely, do what needs to be done to have a healthy baby.
emisamommyagain - 1.2 hours ago
There's also one called ORGASMIC BIRTH LOL although I haven't seen it. Well I can say from experience that I really doubt an orgasm is possible while birthing LOL But after the baby is born I am just so full of joy, euphoric really, so I understand that aspect of it.
BabySaunders - 1.5 hours ago
I just went on a site called thebirthsurvey.com. It was very interesting. It shows the c-section rates for a lot of hospitals in CA. Made me realize that I will not be going to my local hospital in an emergency. 47%!! Holy cow! No thank you. There's also another video called Pregnancy in America. Great video. You guys should check it out.
emisamommyagain - 1.7 hours ago
ah yes, I meant to mention that film as well. I just watched it about two weeks ago and posted on it, saying that it left me feeling very informed and empowered.
emisamommyagain - 1.7 hours ago
Yes I know all of this and have posted on it in the past. I simply did not understand the point you were trying to make, and perhaps my point was misunderstood as well. I am an advocate for natural birthing and having no or minimal medical intervention in a process that women have been going through since the beginning of time. Cesarean births also are common around 4pm and 10 pm as well. Almost dinner time, don't want to stay through the night while this woman is labor, so let's get it over with.... Pitocin is also very very overused to rush things along and when too much is given the uterus is not allowed to rest between contractions which can cause rupture. My point is that one third of births are done through a c-section when 30 years ago the rate was a mere 6%...
Linnea - 1.7 hours ago
And on the topic of natural childbirth - have any of you see The Business of Being Born? Really interesting...
Linnea - 1.8 hours ago
Sammykins - My dad died Nov. 3rd. I've been living at my parents' house in MI (I live in FL) since early October, right after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. DH has been back and forth between here and home. It's crazy to have extra stress like this when you're pregnant. I've been way more exhausted and emotional than I was with DD. But I have just been letting myself cry when I need to and have as much downtime as possible (not always easy when you have a hyper 16 month old!). I keep thinking that this new baby might be part of the healing process after losing my dad... Maybe for you too??? Some days I feel totally overwhelmed, but as much as possible I'm trying to look forward to the birth and know that this baby was planned by God and will be a blessing. I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I hope things get better for you really soon.
newmomeve - 2.4 hours ago
emisamommyagain-- the rate of cesarean in this country has little to nothing to do with medical necessity. When I say 95% of births do not require medical intervention, I mean that 95% of babies could be birthed vaginally without any intervention and mom and baby would be just fine. The birthing industry in this country is highly over-medicalized, geared towards 'quick labors' and protection from liability. Did you know that the majority of c-sections happen on Friday afternoons and when doctors are changing shifts? It has less to do with mom and baby's need than it has to do with doctor's need to complete the birth before going home for the day, and wanting to get home on time. And like
urnchstephie said, some women just prefer cesarean and elect to use induction or cesarean for their own personal reasons. Check out the book 'Birthing Meaning' -- it reveals a lot of the hidden facts around birthing in the US. That's not to say that all cesarean are unnecessary. My best friend's baby was in distress and her blood pressure hit the roof. In that case c-section was really medically necessary to save the baby and keep mom safe. There are cases when c-section and other interventions are a lifesaver and a true blessing. But in the majority of cases, it's just not medically necessary.
sammykins - 8.3 hours ago
VI-Chick, I have been on Prozac since the beginning of my second trimester and it has really helped a lot. The doctor said that it is better to get help than to put all the stress on the baby. November 6th my dad died. Last Wednesday my husband and I got back from California for his funeral. Thursday night I went into the ER. I was given Tamaflu for the H1N1 virus and Antibiotics for a Urinary Tract Infection.So I know what you mean by being emotional and depressed.
VI-Chick - 9.6 hours ago
Sometimes I'm hungry and other times I have to force myself to eat dinner. I think I may be depressed. I can't seem to stop crying over the death of my malamute on Oct 26th, and I don't know if it's just me being emotional because I'm pregnant, or if I'm depressed and should get help... But it's affecting my eating habbits. I am eating, tho, more than 3 times a day and baby is "big" according to dr. so I'm sure baby is fine.
urnchstephie - 10.4 hours ago
My appetite is also huge right now, but the fact is my stomach gets full so fast as of lately! I guess because everything is getting cramped in there.
cand - 14.7 hours ago
Is anyone else's appetite out of control? I feel all of a sudden, this week, I can't make it through the night without having to get up and eat something. I am afraid I am going to put on too much weight too fast now, especially since we still have a little ways to go.
urnchstephie - 21.5 hours ago
cesarean doesn't necessarily mean that the procedure was required, most women, once they have one, chose to have one for all other children. Not trying to be on either side here, just thought I'd point that out.
hopeafloat2009 - 22.5 hours ago
MOMS OF 2 OR MORE KIDS.. PLEASE ANSWER POLL(s)!!! http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/vip-polls/hopeafloat2009
emisamommyagain - 23.1 hours ago
newmomeve~ I don't mean to argue, but where are you getting your facts? The statement that 95% of births require no medical intervention just isn't true, because the national average for instance of cesarean birth is 32%. Or are you speaking of the births of babies whose mothers use your particular birthing method?
rayray - 1 days ago
I saw my midwife yesterdayand had my GD test. Sugar was good, but iron was a little low so I got a prescription for that. Midwife said baby was measuring perfectly and was happy that my bladder infection cleared upand now I am going to start seeing her bi-weekly! Yay! My baby shower today was good, got to see some of my friends I havent seen in awhile, we had a great time! My mother-in-law is having the family baby shower in January, I think, so that whatever we dont get for Christmas, we should get then. I am neutral on the cutting/tearing situation. Whatever needs to happen will happen, I believe. I know the midwife cannot cut me and has to call in a doctor if there is anything wrong and I am fine with that-I chose the midwives because they cannot intervene or do anything I may think unnecessary. I am confident that everything will work out fine, we are made to have babies afterall and have been doing so without doctors and surgery and all that for thousands of years.
dollface - 1 days ago
my younger sister had a girl today! we're all so excited and we can't wait to meet her next week! she had a great birthing experience...she was so happy to have an epidural!
sarahann - 1 days ago
For those of you with SPD... I have severe pain in my groin, between my legs and it's there all the time, but so much worse at night that I can't move around in bed and it kills to get out of bed. Is this what SPD is? Are any of you being treated for it some how, or is it something you just have to put up with? I'm just wondering whether it's worth telling my doctor or if it's just a pregnancy thing that I have to put up with. Thanks.
newmomeve - 1 days ago
95% of births are uncomplicated and don't require medical intervention. But 5% do, and you never know what you are going to get!! We are aiming to birth 'naturally' with hypnobirthing, midwives, a doula, and a pool. BUT we are doing it in a hospital! Because if there is a chance of special circumstances, we want to be in the right place for the best possible outcome for the baby. That said, I know we are extremely lucky to have a facility that offers the best of both worlds. For those who want to birth naturally, but have access only to a traditional hospital setting, I'd be happy to speak with you more about preparing a birth plan and working with your care providers to ensure that you are supported in your preferences.
Linnea - 1 days ago
I had some scary complication with DD and was very grateful to be in the hospital. But I wish I could still deliver with no medical interventions and in a tub. My hospital does birthing balls, but that's about it... If only we had a birthing center right next to the hospital. That would be the ideal to me. **sigh**
youngmummy2be2 - 1 days ago
Im wanting a natural birth too, we are having our baby girl at home with the midwife here and hiring a birthing pool. i too am excited about it, but starting to panic about how little time we have left!! I am looking into hypnobirthing but cant afford to take the classes... any tips or good websites i could look at?
emisamommyagain - 2 days ago
I am very excited too and love the whole process of being pregnant and birthing as well. Unfortunately I live in a very rural area and there are no midwives available to me or I would have used one. As it is, I am an hour away from the nearest hospital. But my doctor is wonderful and supportive and has agreed to my plan of no or limited medical intervention. I delivered my second naturally but had been given pitocin and don't want it this time. I know my body can deliver babies just fine on it's own, I have a high pain threshold and positive attitude about having an all natural birth. I hope everything goes as planned for both of us! I had decent sized babies as well.... 8lbs 8oz and 7lbs 11oz and they were girls. Often, boys are larger (which i am now expecting) but i hope he isn't too much bigger! LOL
newmomeve - 2 days ago
Yeah, I think it depends on the person. We are working with midwives, and have also hired a doula to support the birth. But in general, I just try to stay away from any stories of blood, tearing, pain, etc. I think it is important not to go into the birth with Fear, and hearing other women's 'horror stories' can provoke a lot of fear, and then create a self-fulfilling prophecy. There are some beautiful examples of natural, comfortable, gentle births where women do not experience tearing and severe pain. Take a look at this hypno/water birth http://www.youtube.com/verify_age?&next_url=/watch%3Fv%3DrSsaJ0Zno9s I think the more we fill our minds with positive images of gentle birthing, the better the experience will be. Personally, I am really excited for the birth!!
youngmummy2be2 - 2 days ago
i didnt have to have an episiostomy and i didnt tear either, i rubbed olive oil around my perianum, and used breathing and positions to ease the crowning .... i think if you have a good midwife or doctor they will try and hold off, i was 17 (dont know if that works in my favour or not lol) when i had my son but my midwife was brilliant, she really helped me and told me when to ease off the pushing, i would advise pushing though it really helps i felt so liberated when i was doing it and my son was 8lb13, so hardly little!!
emisamommyagain - 2 days ago
newmomeve~ I can tell you as a mom of two that the urge to push is very overwhelming and alleviates some of the pressure and pain. They told me not to push with my second and to wait for the doctor, but she was coming anyway. but if you think you can do it without, more power to you!
newmomeve - 2 days ago
I'm not doing the episiotomy. I had pre-canerous lesions on my vulva/ perieanal area three years ago, and had them surgically removed. There is already a line where they stiched me up, and I figured if I tear it will probably just be along that line again. But I really don't want to tear because with the surgery I had over 20 stiches and it was very painful. So, to minimize the risk of tearing we are doing hypnobirthing, and probably birthing in a pool. In hypnobirthing you don't actually push, so that minimizes the risk of tearing. Also, being under water for most or all of the labor helps keep the skin very elastic. And, around week 36 you should have your partner start rubbing olive oil on the skin around your vagina and labia every night (or you can do it yourself, but it's hard to reach and not as much fun!) This also supports the skin in stretching and becoming more elastic for the birth. Just don't start before 36 weeks, cause ya don't want to stretch out permanently!!
emisamommyagain - 2 days ago
I had an episiotomy with my first and healed fine, but I have heard of instances where the doctor accidently cuts into the bowels. I tore with my second, mainly because the doctor didn't make it to the birth and a nurse delivered her. I tore down to my rectum and internally as well. It was horrible and took a long time to heal. I can still see and feel the scar. I didn't wipe after giving birth either, but used the water bottle which was very soothing. After my second, because urine would burn so badly, I actually squirted water on myself while I was going. I'm a bit concerned this time, because my doctor doesn't do episiotomies.... I think he does things slowly, stretching the perineum with his fingers as the head comes through. I definitely need to have this discussion with him. Dang it, I just saw him yesterday lol. I need to make a list because I always forget to ask something.
littlesunshine - 2 days ago
I had a 2nd degree muscle tear with DD that took almost 6 months to heal but was only painfull for a couple of weeks. The ice packs worked wonders for me the first couple of days. I am hoping I wont tear this time as my boys will be alot smaller.
mom2ucc - 2 days ago
As gross as this sounds I didn't use anything to wipe after having any of my kids. Our hospital gives you a bottle (kinda like what hair dye comes in) and fill it with warm water just before you go pee. Then you spray it on afterwards. It was nice because it was warm and soothing, didn't bother stitches, and it rinsed away some of that other gross stuff.
twogreatkids - 2 days ago
Lets not talk about tearing...it really hurts. Here is a tip for first time moms.... DON'T USE TOILET PAPER AFTER YOU DELIVER! USE SOFT BABY WIPES. TOILET PAPER FEELS LIKE SANDPAPER AFTER YOU GIVE BIRTH. FYI after birth instead of using the hospital pads or your pads because they just don't hold it all, use Depends disposible underwear. They are great! No leaking! And if they don't supply these at your hospital, they sell ice packs for your 'area' You can put that inside of the Depends too. They feel so good after birth. DeaS- I tore with my first, not second, I think the first just stretched it all out for his sister.
DeaS - 2 days ago
when i had my son i didnt tear.. lucky me it was my biggest fear of giving birth but i wanted to tear naturally, i guess i figured if my body needed to tear to get him out then it would i didnt like the idea of my doc maybe getting abit ahead of himself and cutting me if i didnt realy need it.. but at the time if the doc said he would have to do it or thought it was the best option i would of done anything to make it easier hehelol.. has anyone not torn with their first but did on their second??
lovelyluney - 2 days ago
twogreatkids!! NOOO if your having a 10 pounder lol. i dont want to push out a 10 pounder hahahaha. hopefully im just big in the belly and the baby isnt huge! my hubby was born n a different country and we have no idea how big he was but i was small. my 1st was almost 8 pounds..ok size lol.
i had an empisiotmy and it killed for weeks! i hated it. i swear they stitch you up for days lol..i hear tearng naturlly is better for you and healing!
Naaster - 2 days ago
I had a third degree tear, which means I tore all the way down and next to my rectum. I also had an episiotomy the doc had been trying to avoid, but when I started tearing and wasn't stopping they cut me. I had sooooo much pain after from the natural tear, that I'd say a controlled cut is better. But the other issue is that controlled vs natural is the scarring that is possible, irregular tears are harder to repair then a straight line. I can tell you this from watching years of in my ER. Scarring is individual either way, however, so what is good for someone might not be good for someone else.
secondstar - 2 days ago
Nothing freaks me out about labor more than tearing and cutting *shiver*. So I just got back from the doctor and I passed my glucose test, hurray! My iron has gotten low though so I have to start taking supplements. Everything was good with the heart rate and everything, but when my doctor measured me he said I was measuring a little small. That totally freaked me out, but he said they consider it normal to be a couple centimeters off either way because the baby's position can affect the measurement, so my boy's still in the normal range..but if he measures small again next time they'll probably do an ultrasound to check things out. I don't go back for three weeks so I guess I just wait and see. He told me not to be worried at all but I can't help being a little anxious..has anyone else measured smaller than expected?
~2nd TyMe Mom~ - 2 days ago
my sister had the cut done, i witnessed it ughh gross, not by choice either but she said she barely felt it afterwards and was fine within a couple of weeks no pain and she didnt take pain medicine at all after coming home.
chellrw - 2 days ago
Our midwife told us that tearing is far better than having the cut. When they cut it goes through all of your muscles which generally leads to longer recovery and weaker muscles there in the future. She also said that the massage will help with the outer tearing but can lead to more severe internal tearing. Who knows though which will be best!
twogreatkids - 2 days ago
I tore up my clitoris with my first, and did not tear at all with my second. They say that doctors look at your perinum and will determine at last minute if they should cut you. My mom tore horribly with my sister and she couldn't sit for a couple of months without a tube. I don't even think they give you a choice in tearing or cutting. I think they just do what they have to do. I hear if you massage your perinium before you go into labor it helps it stretch. I'm sure your husband wouldn't mind;)
dollface - 2 days ago
i tore naturally, my sister had an episiotomy. my recovery was much quicker than hers (i had a 3rd degree tear). you would never be able to tell that i tore. this is something to ask your dr. about and if your dr. is leaving it up to you, then it's a completely personal decision. i am not one for giving advice, but based on my personal experience, i prefer tearing naturally.
corypritch - 2 days ago
definitely go for the episiotomy. i am on my fourth child and have had the episiotomy. i had no negative reactions to having it done and i am grateful that i haven't had to recover from a tear
Arcola21 - 2 days ago
HI..if you have a good doctor and he/she realizes that you might tear NORMALLY they do an episiotomy becuase its more painful when you tear. I tore some with my 1st and she also had to cut me. With my 2nd she automatically did the Episotomy. Healing from a tear is harder than healing from a cut. I KNOW!
LilBoy4Jenn - 2 days ago
Just wondering what everyone's opinions are as far as episiotomy vs. naturally tearing? If you're a first timer, which would you prefer and why? If you're a seasoned pro and have done one or the other, which would your recommend and why? I'm coming to the realiziation that I may have to choose one or the other and wondering what the pros and cons are to each. Thanks!
LilBoy4Jenn - 2 days ago
Baby was moving like crazy last night. I've been so busy that I don't feel him much during the day, but as soon as I rest and put my feet up at night, he goes nuts. I love it :) Some ladies were talking about 'vibrations' recently. I *think* I've had something similar about three seperate occasions now. The mid-to-lower right side of my belly will go nuts for a few seconds.. it's almost like he's going at a punching bag, just one blow after the other, very quickly. It's such a shocking feeling! Last night he was kicking something or punching something on my right side that actually hurt me! It made me jump a few times! I was so surprised because I haven't felt that yet anything quite like that yet!
~2nd TyMe Mom~ - 3 days ago
SPROUT1----TRY THIS SITE IF YOU HAVENT ALREADY
http://www.healthline.com/yodocontent/pregnancy/assisted-delivery-forceps-vacuum.html
sprout1 - 3 days ago
Does anyone know the pro's and con's between the use of forceps vs. suction in assisted delivery? I've read that some women prefer suction to forceps but in the little research I've done, they both seem to be pretty harmless but forceps seem to work best. Anyone here know what the biggest differences are? I'm having a hard time actually finding material to read up on this subject. Thanks!
VI-Chick - 3 days ago
Joining week 29 today. Last of the 20's. Only two more months to go... I'm going for my glucose test this morning. Saw the baby dr. on Wed. for the 1st time. I mentioned that baby moves a lot, then for three days not so much, then back to a lot. He said to relax in bed if baby isn't moving and if I don't feel 10 movements in an hour to let him know and he'll set up an ultrasound. I would really like to see baby again, we'll see what happens. Baby is moving good since the appt.
Naaster - 3 days ago
My cut looks great, but my tummy flab around it looks gnasty! It healed up good but I gained weight right after and the stretchy skin above it didn't every tighten up after the second baby. I asked a fellow nurse if she thought they would tuck in a bit of extra skin, and she told me there's a legal limit, like 6 inches or something they can sew in, lol. I dont' think that will be enough! But I'll still ask! I'm sure after baby number 3 and at age 34 I will have plenty of flab to tuck in!
~2nd TyMe Mom~ - 3 days ago
my cut looks good though but my cousins looks horrible its like they double stpled her or something i think hers ripped back open and anyway it isnt pretty mine healed good!
~2nd TyMe Mom~ - 3 days ago
c-sections are horrible its been since 2004 since i had mine and i still dont have feeling around the cut....you cant walk it takes your body longer to heal! thats why i am VBAC this time.
clauds1st - 3 days ago
sarahann - I too had a midwife appt today and she made me turn to the side, when she was listening to the babies heart beat, because her heartbeat was beating too fast. As soon as I turned she was fine. Only bad thing is that she has somehow turned to breech position. But I swear I felt her turning again today. She has been very active all day.
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