Mums and Bubs

  In Week 30 your movements will be slower and you will feel larger and somewhat clumsier.  To prevent backache, it’s important to try to maintain good posture.  At this stage you might have problems sleeping and become breathless when you walk too fast or climb stairs. Mum You should be gaining about 500 grams (1 pound) a week now ...

  As your bub moves around, you will probably be able to feel his bottom and feet.  You will need to sit down and rest more often now as he will be putting pressure on your stomach and diaphragm. Mum Now in your third trimester you may suffer symptoms like an aching back, leg cramps, insomnia and rib pain.  Your ...

  Your breasts are producing colostrum, the fluid which precedes breast milk.  Put breast pads inside your bra if your breasts are leaking.  You may have  a second blood test to check for anaemia at your next ante-natal appointment and, if you are anaemic, iron supplements may be offered. Mum Your final trimester starts this week.  You might feel like ...

  In Week 27 you will be getting noticeably larger and will have gained weight around your breasts and chest so make sure you’re wearing the correct size maternity bra.  Avoid lying on your back too much because this might make you feel faint, as the enlarged uterus presses directly against blood vessels. Mum You’re now a third of the ...

  You have now reached week 26.  If you are working you need to decide when you are going to stop. Remember that you should notify your employer in writing three weeks before you intend to leave.  If you think you may qualify for an allowance from Centrelink, now is the time to apply for it. Now is also a ...

  You have now reached week 25 of your pregnancy and should be looking rosy-cheeked and healthy because of the increase in blood circulation under the skin. You might be experiencing frequent trips to the lavatory due to the pressure from the growing uterus on  the bladder.  Also, cramp, heartburn and backache are often problems now. Mum You may feel ...

  This week you will be gaining weight noticeably, maybe as much as 0.5kg or 1lb per week.  Your feet and legs might start to feel the strain of carrying this extra weight so make sure you get plenty of rest and wear comfortable shoes. Mum From now up to 28 weeks you may be given glucose screens to detect ...

  This week you may feel a pain similar to a stitch down the side of your stomach caused by the uterine muscle stretching and which will go away after you rest.  Bub can be felt through your abdominal wall and your health care professional may palpate your abdomen to see how the baby is lying. Mum Your tummy will ...

  Your growing baby and expanding uterus may be causing pain to your lower ribs as they get pushed outwards. Your ribcage rises a little as it’s pushed upward.  Lifting your arms above your head and sitting up as straight as you can may lessen the discomfort.  This is a good time to try different ways of easing discomfort for ...

  You may be feeling slightly breathless as your expanding ribcage pushes upwards, giving your lungs less room and you should be able to see your abdomen ripple as the fetus moves. Mum Its quite obvious you’re pregnant now but not too big yet and have probably gained 4.5 – 6.3 kilograms (10-14 pounds).  Your centre of gravity has changed ...