The expecting mother may also notice that she has a little less energy than she did during her first...

1. Zofran, Pregnancy Nausea Drug, Won't Harm Fetus (STUDY)
The expecting mother may also notice that she has a little less energy than she did during her first
trimester.
You're in the home stretch now! Welcome to the third trimester. Some women's feet begin to swell
at this point, often going up a half or whole shoe size. His ears, bones, fingers, toes, eyes, ears, lips
and nose are all in the process of forming.
What's happening to Mom: You've got up to 50 percent more blood circulating in your body and your
uterus is now the size of a grapefruit (it will get much, much bigger).
Between exhaustion and morning sickness, exercise may be the last thing on your mind, but experts
do recommend that pregnant women stay active. She will often experience more leg cramps because
of baby weight that has been tacked on to her body. You'll have to fast overnight, then swallow a
super-sweet drink to test your blood sugar. If you start leaking an odorless fluid, call your doctor.

2. This week, your doctor may test you for group B streptococcus, a bacteria you may carry that can
cause health problems in your baby. She's also probably moving around quite a bit -- when she's not
sleeping!
What's happening to Mom: Your uterus is now the size of a soccer ball. If he's in breech position,
your doctor may be able to turn him around so he's in the head down position.
What's happening to Mom: You probably won't gain much more weight after this week. Your baby's
kidneys may have begun to secrete urine and nerve cells are multiplying at a rapid rate. Steal naps
whenever -- and wherever -- you can. As your pregnancy progresses, she'll add to these fat stores,
which will give her energy and keep her warm when she enters the world.
What's happening to Mom: Your breasts are getting ready to provide milk to your baby, so you may

3. notice that they're growing larger and that more veins are visible.
You're nearly halfway through your pregnancy. The 26th week of pregnancy can also often bring
with it an increase in blood pressure and a few hormonal changes that can cause lower back pain.
As your second trimester comes to an end, start looking into labor and child care classes, consider
taking a tour of the hospital (if it's offered) and ask your mom friends for pediatrician
recommendations.
What's happening to baby: He or she may get hiccups more and more often as your pregnancy
progresses, and you'll be able to feel her hiccupping. If you could sneak another peek at baby, you
might see her sucking her thumb!
What's happening to Mom: Around this time, your doctor may offer you a triple screen or a quad
screen to test for Down syndrome, trisomy 18 (a genetic disorder that infants usually don't survive)
and neural tube defects (problems with the development of the brain or spinal cord).
You'll likely be seeing your doctor for another checkup soon, so be sure to share any questions or
concerns you might have.
What's happening to baby: Baby now weighs 2 ½ ounces. They may also be leaking a yellowish
liquid. You made it! Of course, it's best for him to stay where he is until he's ready, and in some
cases, that may mean another four weeks.
What's happening to baby: He's now weighing in at around 7 pounds. The heart now has four
chambers, just like yours.
What's happening to Mom: You may feel more fatigued, thanks to hormonal changes, trouble
sleeping and morning sickness. To prevent it, eat smaller meals more often throughout the day, and
avoid heartburn triggers, such as citrus foods, soda and fried or spicy foods.
Once you get baby's car seat, call your local police or fire department. Fingernails have also begun
to develop.

4. What's happening to Mom: In these last few weeks, you're likely still experiencing back pain,
sleeping fewer hours than ever and dealing with swelling, mainly in your feet. You may not even
notice when you pass the mucus plug, but it means your cervix is beginning to dilate, a process that
can take hours, days or weeks.
It's time for final preparations: If you haven't packed your hospital bag yet, do it now. If you do, you
can really step up your nursery-planning and name-choosing!
What's happening to baby: Baby now weighs 9 ounces and she might be putting pressure on your
lungs and bladder.
What's happening to Mom: Your 20-week ultrasound is a chance for your doctor to see how the
baby's growing, check out the placenta, amniotic fluid, look for birth defects and, of course,
determine the baby's gender.
How's the name game going? Check out the top 10 names from 2010, courtesy of the Social Security
Administration.
What's happening to baby: Baby is now big enough to be measured from his head to heel. Does your
baby have an in utero nickname?
What's happening to baby: Baby is slightly more than a foot long, and her lungs and brain are
growing quickly.
What's happening to Mom: In the next few weeks, you'll be screened for gestational diabetes. These
are symptoms of preeclampsia, or dangerously high blood pressure.
If you'd like to fit in a babymoon, or one last pre-baby getaway, better do it soon. Don't miss a single
appointment!
With the fatigue, morning sickness and weight gain of the first trimester, your boss may have
already figured out that you'll soon be taking a leave of absence, but you still have to make the
announcement. That doesn't mean you're eating for two: It means you should take in an extra 300

5. calories or so a day.
You're almost at the end of your first trimester, which means your utter exhaustion and morning
sickness should go away soon.
What's happening to baby: Baby is moving all over the place, but you can't feel it yet. Are you getting
nervous about labor? Talk to your doctor about your options for pain relief and ask her any questions
you might have.
By now, you should have a rough idea of who's going to take over your workload while you're out of
the office. For most women, it's between days 11 and 21 of your cycle.
What's happening to baby: Nothing yet!
What's happening to Mom: During ovulation (when your ovary releases an egg), your chances of
conception increase. Try to be patient if you go past your due date -- you'll have the rest of your life
to spend time with your baby.
. He's now roughly 8 ½ inches long and is producing meconium, which will become his first poop
when he's born.
What's happening to Mom: Swollen ankles, hands and feet are common in pregnancy -- after all,
you've got a lot of extra fluid in your body right now! But if you notice sudden swelling in your hands
and face, call your doctor. Your ob/gyn might be able to vaccinate you.
What's happening to baby: Baby now weighs 4 ounces and is developing fat under her skin. In many
states, they'll install the seat for you, or will check to make sure you've done it correctly to ensure
that your baby is safe when riding in the car.
What's happening to baby: He weighs about 5 pounds and is roughly 17 ½ inches long. The
American Academy of Pediatrics encourages donating the blood rather than paying the hefty fees for
for private storage.
What's happening to baby: Baby's eyes are quickly maturing: She can tell the difference between
light and dark and can focus on light. Your body is working overtime and you deserve the rest!

6. What's happening to baby: Your baby is now the size of a bean. When you feel them, don't panic, just
do some deep breathing. Don't want to go without? Slip them on a chain and wear them as a
necklace.
What's happening to baby: Baby weighs about 2 ½ pounds, and she will be adding weight quickly in
the next several weeks. Excessive swelling should be reported to the doctor if it does not subside.
Make sure you have a car seat ready to bring baby home from the hospital using zofran for morning
sickness and give your partner a list of people to call and e-mail once baby arrives.
What's happening to baby: These last few weeks, baby is mainly just gaining weight and her brain
and lungs are still maturing. If you're among this last group, contact your doctor.
What's happening to baby: Your 13-inch-long baby is busy packing on weight, so when she arrives,
she'll have that irresistible baby fat. She looks more and more like a baby and her heart pumps some
25 quarts of blood every day.
What's happening to Mom: Sometime in the next few weeks, you should feel baby's first movement,
called "quickening." By the end of your pregnancy, baby's gymnastics will be hard to ignore!
You're pregnant during flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that
you get a flu shot to keep you and your baby healthy. She might even be able to hear loud noises, in
addition to the sound of your beating heart and growling stomach.
What's happening to Mom: You know the dangers of high blood pressure, but you may also
experience low blood pressure during your pregnancy, as your circulatory system expands at this
time. If you're at a healthy weight, experts recommend you gain 25 to 35 pounds. In the meantime,
the guessing game can begin: Your baby's gender, eye color and hair color have already been
determined. Until then, make sure you're eating right. Your health care provider will let you know if
you're gaining too much -- or too little -- weight. During the 26th week, the baby's ears have
developed enough to allow him or her to hear noises outside of the womb. Her brain is hard at work,
becoming more complex and growing more tissue.
What's happening to Mom: In the next few weeks, you may be fighting off leg cramps, constipation,
hemorrhoids, sleeplessness and other annoyances. Swollen fingers and hands may mean you can no
longer wear your wedding and engagement rings. Several months after birth, the soft spots on his
skull will begin to harden.

7. What's happening to Mom: You're probably anxious, excited and ready to meet the little person
growing inside of you. You should have some of your energy back, and you may even be starting to
show. Your growing uterus is nearly an inch above your belly button, and you're probably feeling
pretty good: not too uncomfortable, and with energy to spare!
Do leg cramps wake you up at night? They're a common pregnancy complaint. How's your partner
holding up? Tell him specific ways he can help you as your pregnancy progresses, whether you want
him to come to your doctor's appointments, help out more around the house or just rub your aching
back.
What's happening to baby: Grow baby, grow! She's now more than 6 inches long and her ears are
working. Who will he (or she) look like? Will she get your blond locks?
What's happening to baby: The fertilized egg, now a ball of cells, is called a blastocyst when it
arrives in your uterus, attaching to the lining, where it will spend the next nine months. This hair
may still be visible at birth, but will eventually go away.
What's happening to Mom: Your health care provider will want to see you every four weeks to check
your weight, blood pressure and urine; measure your uterus; and listen to the baby's heartbeat. You
may also have darkened areola and breast soreness.
Next week your doctor may want to see you for your first prenatal visit. Right now, it's the size of the
head of a pin.
What's happening to Mom: You probably won't feel anything, though some women do feel cramps
and notice a heavier vaginal discharge.
At the end of this week, a pregnancy test may confirm your pregnancy. The baby has also begun to
inhale and exhale amniotic fluid, an important part of developing his or her lungs. To combat
morning sickness, which can occur around the clock, eat several small meals during the day and
avoid any foods with strong odors.
Are you itching to share your news? Many women wait until the end of the first trimester, when the
risk of miscarriage is lower, but some can't resist telling family and at least a few close friends.
Make a list of any questions you have, and ask your partner if he wants to join you.
What's happening to baby: Baby's organs, hair, eyelids and umbilical cord are all forming. Ideally,

8. you should feel at least 10 movements (everything counts, from harsh kicks to barely-there flutters)
in two hours.
What's happening to baby: He weighs nearly 3 pounds, has eyelashes and has opened his eyes!
What's happening to Mom: As your skin stretches to accommodate your growing belly, you may be
dealing with itchy skin. Mood swings are also common during the 30th week of pregnancy, as are
bouts of depression. If it's high and you're diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you'll have to follow
a special diet and may also need medication. But you are, so take it easy if you're nauseous or tired.
Feeling sleepy? The first trimester is a time of exhaustion for many moms-to-be. Getting regular
exercise and stretching your legs before you hit the sheets may help prevent them.
What's happening to baby: Your baby has hit the 1-pound mark! If you're having a boy, his testes are
making their descent; if you're having a girl, she's already developed her uterus and ovaries.
What's happening to Mom: You're probably running to the bathroom more than ever, as your
growing uterus continues to put pressure on your bladder.
Many moms- and dads-to-be give their baby a cute, weird or amusing nickname like Peanut, Lemon
or Chaka Khan before she's born.
OK, so technically you're not pregnant yet, but your due date is based on the first day of your last
period, which is considered week one of your pregnancy.
What's happening to baby: Nothing yet, but as soon as fertilization occurs, your baby will begin
undergoing thousands of changes over the next 40 weeks.
What's happening to Mom: As you prepare for this long journey, start cleaning up your diet,
eliminating drugs, alcohol and caffeine, and ask your doctor about taking a prenatal vitamin.
Ovulation, which may occur this
http://www.rxoutreach.org/wp-content/monographs/Ondansetron.html week, kick starts everything.
Ward off any dizziness by making sure you don't stand up too quickly.

9. How are you holding up? If you're dealing with back pain, headaches or other nagging pains, talk to
your doctor before you take any medication to make sure they won't harm your baby.
What's happening to baby: Baby weighs in at about 7 ounces this week, and he is starting to grow
hair!
What's happening to Mom: You may start experiencing round ligament pain, a sharp pain in your
stomach or hip caused by stretching of the round ligament, which supports your uterus.
Right about now, you're likely going in for an ultrasound, and you might be able to find out baby's
gender, if you're so inclined. The fat her body is developing will help her regulate her body
temperature outside the womb.
What's happening to Mom: You're likely seeing your doctor weekly now, and pelvic exams will help
him or her determine baby's position and whether (or how much) your cervix is dilated.
Welcome, baby! Your little one should make his appearance any day now, and you're likely desperate
to meet him! Enjoy every minute.
What's happening to baby: At birth, he'll weigh between 6 ¾ and 10 pounds and will be between 19
and 21 inches long, though, of course, every baby is different. These things actually are pregnancy-
related, as the increased blood flow throughout your body can restrict airflow in your nose and
airway.
You're almost there -- just 14 weeks to go! If your baby were born now, there's a very good chance
he'd survive: 80 percent of babies born at this time do, according to the March of Dimes.
What's happening to baby: By the 26th week of pregnancy the fetus has grown to about one or two
pounds. It's nothing to worry about: The colostrum, or pre-milk, that's coming from your breasts now
will also come out in the first few days after your baby is born before changing over to the milk that
will nourish your baby, if you decide to breastfeed.
You may be feeling Braxton Hicks contractions by now. Many moms-to-be worry that their water will

10. break at work or in public. You may begin to notice changes in your skin including a darkening of
the areola and the appearance of dark patches on your face and neck.Your skin may look great, with
that pregnancy glow, or you may be dealing with breakouts or mask of pregnancy (dark splotches on
your face, thanks to increased pigmentation).
By now, if you're having twins (or more!), you should know it, as either a blood test or ultrasound
can confirm a multiple pregnancy.
What's happening to baby: Your baby, who now weighs 1 ¼ ounces, has fingerprints and a soft layer
of hair covering his skin. But it's not that dramatic for most women, and, luckily, it usually happens
at night when you're sleeping. And some women even feel pregnancy symptoms, many of which are
similar to those you feel each month before your period begins (backache, headache, breast
tenderness, etc.)
You've taken the test and gotten a positive result, but your doctor probably won't want to see you
until you're eight or 12 weeks along. Plan what you'll say ahead of time, then go in and share your
exciting news!
What's happening to baby: This week, baby weighs a bit less than 2 ounces (a bar of soap weighs 3
ounces) and continues to grow at an astonishing rate.
What's happening to Mom: Your risk of miscarriage is lower now that you're in the second trimester.
How will you share the news?
What's happening to baby: Your baby is still teeny tiny, and consists of layers of cells that will
become his organs and tissues.
What's happening to Mom: You may notice some cramping and bleeding as your baby is implanting
inside your uterus. It can help prevent excess weight gain, boost energy and help you get your Zzzs.
Later, you'll be glad you did.
What's happening to baby: Baby weighs anywhere from 6 ½ to 8 pounds and is 18 to 20 1/2 inches
long. Brief your boss, employees and coworkers about what needs to be done while you're on your
maternity leave, in case you deliver earlier than expected.
What's happening to baby: Baby is 15 ½ inches long and may weigh about 4 pounds by now.

11. What's happening to Mom: At this point in your pregnancy, your breasts are bigger and may have
stretch marks. These "practice" contractions can last for up to two minutes as your uterine muscles
tighten. And you may notice some seemingly unrelated to pregnancy symptoms, like a stuffy nose,
snoring or frequent nosebleeds. Her organs are developing at a rapid rate and she may now be
moving her limbs and exploring her face. Stretch marks usually appear around this time and skin
may take on different textures or shades due to increased melanin. It's best to travel before you
reach 28 weeks. You may not be planning for a Cesarean section, but you should be prepared in case
it happens. By now, she may weigh up to 7 ½ pounds. In the next few weeks, you may lose your
mucus plug, which blocks the cervix throughout your pregnancy, keeping your baby safe from
bacteria. This is another reason to take it easy in these final weeks of pregnancy.
Take a few minutes now, while you have the time, to call your insurance company and find out what -
- if anything -- they need from you, your employer or your doctor before or after your baby arrives.
What's happening to baby: Baby now measures about 16 ½ inches from head to foot, and is steadily
gaining weight.
What's happening to Mom: Got heartburn? Blame your ever-expanding belly. The little hairs that
were covering her entire body are starting to go away as she prepares for her arrival.
What's happening to Mom: Talk to your doctor about what to expect during delivery. And if you're at
all concerned that it's the real thing, call your doctor.
What's happening to baby: Baby weighs roughly 4 ½ pounds and is practicing breathing in
preparation for her birth.
What's happening to Mom: As baby grows bigger, your uterus may begin putting pressure on your
diaphragm, making it harder for you to breathe. More than a pint of amniotic fluid surrounds the
fetus, though the amount of liquid will decrease as the baby grows and takes up more room in the
womb. If you fly, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and get up and move around every hour or so.
What's happening to baby: Baby weighs 14 ounces and is looking more and more like a newborn:
Her eyes are fully formed, her lips are becoming more noticeable and she even has eyebrows! At 22
weeks pregnant, an expectant mother is in the middle of her second trimester and may start to feel
some movement in the womb. Your baby is developing more complex reflexes and may begin
sucking. If you are having difficulty sleeping, you might want to change your sleeping position.

12. You're a quarter of the way there, and you may not even feel pregnant yet! Don't worry, that will
soon change, as baby -- and you -- start gaining weight and you feel those first amazing kicks.
What's happening to baby: Your baby is now the size of a lime, and his head is much bigger than the
rest of his body.
What's happening to Mom: You're gaining weight, and may have switched over to maternity wear, or
maybe you're wearing pants and skirts with elastic waists. Nipples and areolas often get darker and
larger. The fetus has grown to about two pounds and 14 inches in length. Consider investing in an
ovulation detector so you know exactly when ovulation occurs. Ease the itch by keeping your belly
moisturized.
If you're planning on donating or storing your baby's cord blood, you should get the paperwork in
order before you deliver your baby. This stage, called lightening, makes it easier to breathe, but now
baby is putting more pressure on your bladder, which may mean more trips to the restroom than
ever before. If you test positive, you'll get antibiotics during delivery to reduce the risk of passing it
to baby.
What's happening to baby: Her lungs are nearly fully developed, and she may weigh up to 6 pounds
by now! She's likely in position for delivery, too.
What's happening to Mom: As baby's arrival gets closer, you'll get some relief from your breathing
problems as baby drops into your pelvis. The baby is approximately 10 inches and nearly a pound.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a full 31 percent of all
deliveries are C-sections.
This week, your baby is officially full-term. Baby's bones are starting to harden, except for the bones
in his skull, which stay soft until after birth, to make delivery possible.
What's happening to Mom: As you wait for baby to arrive, you're probably feeling more
uncomfortable than ever and not sleeping well. So take a daily walk, hit the gym or try prenatal yoga
to stay in shape.
What's happening to baby: Your baby is now the size of a grape, and the tail at the bottom of his
spinal cord is now gone. The fetus will begin to mimic breathing by pushing up the diaphragm up

13. and down.
What's happening to Mom: At this point, Mom may have trouble sleeping and can feel clumsier than
usual. Lips, eyelids and eyebrows are more defined and although her eyes have formed, the iris lacks
pigment.
What's happening to Mom: Thanks to a surge of hormones, there are lots of changes for mom too.
Any odd symptoms such as severe headaches or excessive weight gain should also be reported to a
doctor immediately.
Once your baby arrives, you'll have little time for cooking, so consider freezing a few make-ahead
meals, like lasagna and casseroles. Enjoy the second trimester: You'll feel more like yourself, without
the struggles of the first and third trimesters.
Sleep is much easier in the second trimester; just try not to sleep on your back, as it can decrease
circulation to your heart.
What's happening to baby: Your little bundle of joy now measures nearly 5 inches long, and her eyes
and ears continue to develop. Your little one is now about an inch long and weighs less than a single
aspirin!
What's happening to Mom: You may have gained or even lost a few pounds, but no one can tell by
looking at you that you're growing a baby in your belly. Take it easy as much as you can, and
remember, it will all be over soon!
Your doctor may suggest that you do kick counts -- taking time every day to see how often your baby
is moving. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends nuchal
translucency ultrasound around this time to measure your baby's risk of Down syndrome.
What's happening to baby: This week, your baby's facial features take on a more normal appearance
as the eyes and ears move closer to their final positions. He now weighs half an ounce or so, and his
bones are starting to harden.

14. What's happening to Mom: If you're dealing with headaches, blame rising hormone levels, increased
blood volume, stress and lack of caffeine.
You may get your first look at baby this week at your first trimester ultrasound. He or she is also
able to open and close their eyes for the first time and the baby will begin to develop to more regular
sleep cycle.
What's happening to Mom: Along with all the changes your body is going through, you may also be
developing stretch marks on your belly or breasts. The uterine lining is developing to prepare for a
fertilized egg.
You're pregnant! But a pregnancy test won't confirm it yet, so you have to wait it out. Untreated,
gestational diabetes can cause problems for your baby, such as trouble breathing and other health
problems.
Many moms-to-be have cravings throughout their pregnancies, whether it's for something they can't
have, like a glass of wine, something they'd never normally eat, like a burger for a vegetarian or
something that's just plain weird: Pickles and ice cream, anyone? Some women even crave dirt,
chalk or other non-edibles. Have you blabbed yet?
What's happening to baby: The brain, lungs, arms, legs and nervous system are all beginning to
form.
What's happening to Mom: In addition to morning sickness, you may find yourself gaining or even
losing weight, if that nausea means you're eating less. Her hair is more lustrous and her nails are
growing at a more rapid rate. Do ask for a prescription for a prenatal vitamin, and start taking it
daily.
What's happening to baby: Your baby is only 0.118 inches long, from head to rump, and his heart is
beating steadily, while his skeleton begins to form.
What's happening to Mom: Morning sickness usually begins around week six, but some women
experience it earlier. Lightening can also increase pressure on your bladder.
It's hard to imagine it now, but many women actually miss being pregnant: The constant attention
from strangers, feeling those comforting kicks throughout the day and night and the built-in excuse
to indulge in chocolate.

15. What's happening to baby: Baby weighs anywhere from 5 ¾ to 6 ¾ pounds and may be as long as 19
inches. More changes will begin to take place in the body. Unfortunately, you can't prevent them,
but they will become less noticeable after the baby is born. By the 30th week, the average fetus will
weigh about three pounds. The baby has also developed a firmer grasp and his or her organs have
developed enough to sustain life outside the womb. If it is a boy, his testicles will begin to make their
descent to the scrotum, a process which typically takes two or three days.
What's happening to Mom: How much weight have you gained so far? If you were at a healthy
weight pre-pregnancy and haven't been going overboard when it comes to food, you've likely gained
16 to 22 pounds, but every woman is different. Stimulating certain points of your uterus may cause
your baby to move, but you won't feel the movement for several more weeks.
What's happening to Mom: You probably don't need maternity clothes at this point, but your uterus
has expanded to the point where your doctor can feel it in your lower abdomen