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Pregnancy Calendar
Congratulations! You're going to have a baby. Practice up on your lullabies. And here's to a happy, healthy pregnancy. Week 2 It's important to eat right to have a healthy baby. Make sure to eat fresh fruits, fish, meats, breads, cereals, vegetables, and dairy products. Take your prenatal vitamins, containing folic acid, every day. Week 3 Smoking and drinking alcohol are unhealthy for your unborn baby. Talk to your health care provider about the dangers of other drug use. If you need help to stop smoking, drinking or using drugs, call Florida's Family Health Line for assistance. Week 4 Don't take any drugs or medications unless your health care provider says it's okay. Try to stay away from people who are sick. If you're exposed to German Measles (rubella), call your health care provider right away. Also, tell your health care provider if you take care of any pets. Week 5 Keep all appointments and follow your health care provider's orders. Be sure to tell every health care provider or dentist who wants to x-ray you that you are pregnant. If x-rays are needed, precautions will be taken to protect your baby. Week 6 In the bathroom every other minute? Around this time your uterus is enlarging and putting pressure on your bladder. Frequent urination usually stops about the 12th week -- to return again during your last month. Week 7 So-o-o.....this is morning sickness! Try eating five small meals a day instead of two or three big ones. Also, try eating a piece of toast or some crackers before you get out of bed. Week 8 Be alert for signs of premature labor: uterine contractions which happen every ten minutes or more often, menstrual-like cramps in the lower abdomen, low dull backache, pelvic pressure, abdominal cramping and vaginal discharge with or without diarrhea. Call your health care provider right away should you experience any of these signs. Week 9 Start getting your insurance paperwork in order for you and your baby. If you know you'll need help, contact your local social services office as soon as possible, or Florida's Family Health Line for assistance. Week 10 It's normal to feel very tired. Your body is working hard to make a healthy baby, and telling you to give yourself some rest. Listen to your body! And try to nap when you can. Week 11 Certain signals during pregnancy may mean a serious problem. Know the danger signals. If you have any of these warning signs during your pregnancy, call your health care provider right away: chills and fever, bad headache or dizziness, blurred vision, or a lot of swelling. Week 12 More warning signs are: vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain when urinating, leaking fluid, signs of preterm labor, pain under ribs or in your belly that doesn't go away. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of these signs. Week 13 You may have a lot of questions about you and your baby. Make a list of these to discuss with your health care provider. Week 14 This is the last week of the first trimester (three months) of your pregnancy. Your baby is now three inches long and weighs over one ounce. The heart has been beating since the fourth week. All body organs have been formed including the face. The baby's fingers can form a little fist. For the rest of the pregnancy all body organs will mature and you baby will gain weight. Welcome to your second trimester.
You may notice darkening of the skin on your forehead, nose and cheeks. This is chloasma, or "mask of pregnancy," caused by hormonal changes. It disappears after delivery. Week 16 If you've always been athletic, there's probably no reason to change your exercise routine -- but check with your health care provider. Walking is good for you. Week 17 The area around your nipples has gotten darker and wider in preparation for making milk. Some women gain a pound in each breast during pregnancy -- which is why it's good to use a maternity bra with good support. Week 18 How are you feeling? Your morning sickness might be gone, and you might have more energy. Enjoy this special time in your pregnancy. Week 19 Your baby has been moving since the second month, but you may be able to feel your baby's movements about now. Watch for this and be sure to tell your health care provider. Week 20 If you're constipated, eat more roughage (like fresh fruits, lettuce, and bran products). No laxatives or enemas unless your health care provider says so. If you develop hemorrhoids, they usually disappear after delivery. Week 21 Halfway point! Your hormones might cause a dark line to appear from your navel down the middle of your belly. Tiny lines on your belly (stretch marks) may appear as your body expands. Rubbing them with lotion may feel good. Week 22 About now, some women notice a clear fluid that drips from the breasts. This is called "colostrum" and is a sign that your body is preparing to produce milk. Week 23 Showers or tub baths are fine, but hot tubs should be avoided. When bathing or showering, use little or no soap directly on your nipples. Just rinse well and pat dry with a soft towel. Avoid douches and sprays. Use only soap and water when bathing the vaginal area. Week 24 Movements of your baby should be quite evident now. Your family will delight in feeling your baby kick. Ask your health care provider about how to count your baby's movements. Week 25 If you're constipated, eat more roughage (like fresh fruits, lettuce, and bran products). No laxatives or enemas unless your health care provider says so. If you develop hemorrhoids, they usually disappear after delivery. Week 26 Bacterial vaginosis, the most common vaginal infection, if untreated can affect the health of your baby. Symptoms include vaginal discharge and unpleasant odor, yet some women have no symptoms. Be sure to keep all appointments and call your health care provider with any symptoms. Week 27 Breastfeeding is good for you and your baby. Go to breastfeeding classes and support group meetings while you are pregnant. Ask your local WIC office or Florida's Family Health Line counselor for information about breastfeeding. Tell your health care provider and hospital that you are going to breastfeed. Week 28
Time to enroll in a class to learn more about your baby's birth and care. Your health care provider or Florida's Family Health Line can help refer you to classes on childbirth education, breastfeeding education, parenting education, and other classes. Week 30 As your baby grows, changing your position quickly might cause you to feel dizzy or unsteady on your feet. Move slowly when getting up. Week 31 With your digestion slowed down by your baby growing and pressing on your stomach, you might experience heartburn. Eat small frequent meals and cut down on eating spicy and fatty foods. Week 32 Another common problem -- leg cramps. Wearing support hose and resting with your legs propped up may help. Talk to your health care provider if these leg cramps continue. Week 33 False labor contractions are mild tightening or "balling up" of the uterus. They are irregular and usually disappear after an hour of rest. If they continue, after an hour of rest, call your health care provider. Week 34 Practice a routine for going to the hospital. Keep important phone numbers handy (health care provider, dad's work number, good neighbor). Make child care arrangements for other children. Make sure there is enough gas in the car to get to the hospital. Week 35 Time to start getting baby's things together. Wash any new baby clothes. Pack a newborn outfit and blanket for the hospital. You will need a car seat to bring your baby home in. So now is the time to call Florida's Family Health Line if you need assistance. Week 36 Now is a good time to discuss birth control options available to you to use after your baby is born. Talk to your health care provider about this. Week 37 Time to pack your suitcase. You'll want to bring a nightgown, robe, slippers or socks, toothbrush, a good support or nursing bra and clothing for the trip home. Week 38 Make sure you will have a supply of baby clothes, food for you and your family, and a safe place for baby to sleep for when you return home. If you are going to breastfeed, have the names and numbers of the people who can help. If you're going to bottle-feed, have the equipment ready. Week 39 Start wearing a watch with a second hand. When labor pains begin, time them and follow your health care provider's instructions for going to the hospital. If your water breaks, call your health care provider right away. Week 40 Have you picked out a name yet? Baby is due soon. Good luck, mom! Pregnancy calendar developed by the Florida Department of Health. |
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