Few Things you should avoid when pregnant - Gynecologist in Noida

No one enjoys giving up things they like or having an interest to do. But if you are trying to conceive, there are quite a few things you should NOT do that can complicate or hamper your chances of getting pregnant. Below are the things that help you to improve your pregnancy. Your doctor may have already advised you not to do things during your pregnancy. Here we will let you know the things you should avoid while you are pregnant.

Time to quit smoking

It would have been better if you have already quite smoking. According to studies, smoking is not only detrimental to your health but it is also harmful to the baby. It has been observed smoking increases the risk of miscarriage and leads to ectopic pregnancy. Infact, females addicted to smoking have wrecked havoc to the fertility. The exposure of smoking leads to spontaneous abortion, pre-term births, low-weight full-term babies, and fetal and infant deaths. Your partner should quit smoking too.

Cut back on caffeine

Consumption of large amount of caffeine is connected to infertility. Some studies suggest, you should not consume more than 200 mg of caffeine. It includes all sources of caffeine like coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks. You have to also make sure that you are not consuming enough soda that can impact on your heath. During pregnancy, it is important for you to switch to a drink that does NOT contain caffeine.

You should not drink Alcohol

Your lifestyle habits can have long term effects on your fertility. There is an increasing evidence that says even the small amounts of alcohol can reduce your chances of conception. During pregnancy, consuming alcohol has negative effect on your developing baby. In some cases, it has been found, the baby born from an alcoholic mother has congenital birth defects leading to severe retardation and other abnormalities.

Avoid high-mercury Fish

Fair amount of fish may not have any problems but for healthy pregnancy, cut back on your consumption of high-mercury fish (tuna halibut, swordfish). Fish concentrate methylmercury, which can affect the developing child’s brain and nervous system. So avoid it, and increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Live stress-free

Depression is an illness that affects the thinking of a person. Sometimes pregnant women don’t realize they are under depression.  Depression during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, delivering before the due date (preterm), giving birth to a small baby (low birth weight). It’s important to live a stress free life to maintain your healthy pregnancy

8 Myths about Trying to Conceive - Gynecologist in Noida

Couples who are trying and not being able to conceive is one of the greatest challenges they face in their lives. It can lead them into depression if conception myths and common misconception revolve around their minds about conception. Here we try to cut through your confusion about the common myths and realities relating to misconception.

1. Everyday sex makes pregnancy faster

Just because you are having everyday sex does not mean you will carry the pregnancy faster. The best thing your sex should coincide with ovulation-that help sperm travel towards the fallopian tubes which eventually makes your fertilization process successful.

2. You don’t have to worry about age

It is an established fact that fertility decreases with the increase in age. According to studies, the best age for woman trying to conceive is 21-30. For both men and women, age is a critical component of fertility potential. So, get married soon.

3. The positions during intercourse matters when trying to conceive

In order to achieve a goal for positive pregnancy it is important you are having intercourse when you ovulate, the best time for successful conception in your ovulation cycle.

4. Orgasm is important to get pregnant

The female orgasm is biologically unnecessary for conception to occur. But that does not mean it cannot help fertilization process. One of the studies done by British biologists found that women retained more seminal fluid when they had an orgasm anywhere from a minute to 45 minutes after a man’s ejaculation during copulation.

5. Ovulation Happens 14 Days after a Period

It is the most accurate way to predict fertility but it is not always that your ovulation happens on 14^th day. For the most accurate prediction, you need to follow ‘fertile window’ i.e when your period begins and ends.\

6. You will conceive more quickly if you have sex during the day

There is no clinical proof that having sex during the day increases you the chances of getting pregnant. However, some studies suggest sperm levels are somewhat higher in the morning.

7. Adopt a child, you will get pregnant

It is one of the oldest myths between couples about conception and continues to spread like wildfire even to this day. There is nothing as such adopting a child increases the chances of getting pregnant. If you are struggling with fertility, consult a doctor as early as possible.

All pregnant women is worry about - Gynaecologist in Noida

What Pregnant Women Worry About You may have noticed now that you’re pregnant, the pregnancy and baby seem to dominate your thoughts. You probably find yourself daydreaming through meetings, trying to imagine what your baby will look like or how it will feel to hold him for the first time. As your bump grows, the kicks and nudges are a constant reminder that life is about to change, and you may find yourself constantly somewhere between nervous and excited, or both. With all of the reading you’re doing, you’re probably finding at least three new things to worry about each day. In many ways, worrying is unavoidable during pregnancy. After all, you’re carrying some very precious cargo! Worrying about and during your pregnancy is completely normal. Keep talking with your partner to let him in so he knows that you’re worried and help ease your fears and concerns. Chances are, he’s worried, just like you! Here are just some of the things you’ve probably found yourself fretting over while you’re pregnant:

#1: That You’re Not Really Pregnant.
Until you have seen that ultrasound scan with your own two eyes, you can be excused for worrying that the entire pregnancy may be nothing more than a figment of your imagination. It’s hard to trust something that you have to wee on to make it work, and so you will probably spend the first trimester at least slightly terrified that you misread the test, and then began a phantom pregnancy with morning sickness but no baby.

#2: That The Scan Will Bring Bad News
Scans are a double edged sword. While you are beside yourself with excitement at the prospect of seeing your baby, you may also find yourself feeling worried that something will show up on the scan. Everybody wants their baby to be healthy and happy, and most pregnant women worry that their baby may face problems or have health issues even before the birth.

#3: That You Will Miss Working
 No matter how long you’re planning to take off on maternity leave, you can be forgiven for worrying that you will miss your job. After all, you’ve worked all these years to get where you are today, and the thought of not working is probably a scary one. You may be worried that you’ll miss the job, but also that you’ll forget how to do it after a long break and will return to the workforce a little fuzzier and less capable than you are today. Or on the other hand, maybe you’re more worried that you wont want to go back!

#4: That You Have Become A Baby Bore 
Baby, baby, baby. It’s all you can think about, so it’s probably all you’re talking about too. You might feel worried that you’re hogging the conversation, yapping on about morning sickness, birth choices and the limitless wonders of YOUR baby. You might find yourself worried that all of your friends secretly meet up without you so they can talk about normal things like t.v. and what’s happening in the big wide world out there.

#5: That Your Partner No Longer Desires You
As your body changes during pregnancy, you may have noticed your confidence taking a bit of a bashing. As your bump begins to grow and stretch marks descend on your belly, you may worry that your partner no longer finds you sexy. You probably don’t feel much like yourself at the moment and may worry that your partner sees you as a different person – a mother, perhaps, instead of the gorgeous woman he fell in love with.

#6: That You Won’t Know When You’re In Labour 
All through your pregnancy you are preparing for a marathon. But it’s a weird marathon and no-one will tell you what it’s like. It’s pretty much the best kept secret, and though you keep thinking it might be about to start, you are reassured by friends and medical professionals alike that ‘You’ll know when it’s labour’. But what if you don’t? What if you give birth on the bus to work, or in the supermarket, because you didn’t know it was labour, and you thought it was just another twinge?! Oh, and here is BellyBelly’s article on 7 signs of early labour.

#7: The Birth 
What is birth like? But what does it feel like? How much worse than period pains are contractions? How long will it last? Will it hurt? These are all great questions. Good luck finding answers for them. The best you can hope for are vague non-committal statements about birth in general, but there will be nothing specific to your impending birth. For that, you’ll have to wait and see.

#8: That You Will Suck At Motherhood 
It’s too late to back out now, that bun is well and truly cooking in the oven. And yet, on some days you find yourself filled with fear that you may not be cut out for motherhood. What if you don’t have enough patience to be the perfect mother? What if you forget your baby and accidentally leave him abandoned on a park bench one day? What if you can’t stop swearing and your toddler ends up with a potty mouth?

#9: That You Won’t Love The Baby
When you hear people talk about the love they have for their children, the way that it smacks you right in the chest the first time you see them, you wonder if you will be able to feel a love like that. What if you don’t feel it? What if you look down at your baby and you feel nothing? What if you are indifferent and cold? What if you do not have that loving maternal instinct that all mothers seem to have?

#10: That You Worry Too Much 
If you’ve said yes to all the above, then most likely, you do! If there’s a chance that your worry is more than just pregnancy nerves, be it anxiety or depression, sharing with your worries with your care provider is a good first step to getting help. Your baby will thank you for being courageous and getting support when you need it. Always.

What Else Did You Worry About?
Can you add anything to this list? Or do you feel that this list is pretty accurate for you? Come you your clinic and we can discuss more!

Baby Sleep Mistakes - Things To Avoid - Gynecologist in Noida

Sleep. You used to take it for granted, didn’t you?
All those late nights and lie-ins… you thought life would be like that forever. And then you had a baby. Tiredness is the new norm, as you spend your days battling against extreme brain fog. It’s been so long since you had as many as four hours of glorious uninterrupted sleep. You fantasise about a hotel room with a do not disturb sign on the door where you can catch up on all those missed hours between the sheets — of sleep, obviously, because you don’t have the energy for anything else. Your morning cup of coffee doesn’t even scratch the surface of how tired you feel. As you sip the last cold drop, you’re still struggling to keep your eyes open. As if that wasn’t bad enough, all the entire world seems to want to talk about is how much sleep you’re not getting. Every person you pass during the day offers unwanted advice about how to get

your newborn baby to sleep through the night. Some even offer critiques of your parenting style, to help you understand exactly where you’re going wrong (thanks, strangers!). As irritating as this is, you can’t help but admire the bravery of the people willing to say these things to a person suffering from extreme sleep deprivation.

As you lie awake at night, you can’t help but wonder if there’s any truth in what the people say. Are you getting it all wrong? Are you making big mistakes that are affecting your baby’s sleeping patterns? The simple answer is ‘yes’, you’re probably making at least a couple of the following sleep mistakes, because y

Enter, The 5 Baby Sleep Mistakes
 Here are 5 baby sleep mistakes you could be making: Baby Sleep Mistakes

#1: Comparing Your Baby To Other Babies 
It is almost impossible not to… especially when you’re sitting beside a fresh-faced mother of three who is telling you about how her newborn baby slept through the night again last night. But you should avoid comparing your baby to other babies or you’ll drive yourself mad. All babies are different, and you have enough to worry about without also obsessing over the fact that your baby hasn’t rolled over in the same month as other babies. Another problem with baby comparisons is that you are basing the comparison on information from the mothers, and not scientifically collected, unbiased, factual information. Of course mothers are going to gloatingly talk up their babies! That’s new motherhood. Fact is, sleeping through for a baby is a grand average of five hours. So while most babies will be somewhere around this average, there will be some babies who sleep more and less than this, because that’s what happens to calculate an average figure.

Baby Sleep Mistakes #2: Having Unrealistic Expectations 
One of the major problems when it comes to sleep stress is that parents simply don’t know what is normal. All we know about normal is that it’s a setting on the clothes dryer. If you have a baby who doesn’t sleep for very long, you can quite easily end up terrified that you will never ever sleep again. When in reality, your baby’s sleeping behaviour is age-appropriate. Yet, unrealistic expectations can put you on a freeway to low self esteem, anxiety, depression and more.

It may help you to know the following:

• at one week old, your baby will spend around 16 hours asleep during a 24-hour period. Only eight of these will be at night and they won’t be consecutive. 
• young babies go through growth spurts and will rely on frequent feeds (also known as ‘cluster feeding’). The more they feed, the more signals they send your breasts to make more milk to satisfy his hunger. Cluster feeds are a normal part of your baby’s development. Many new mothers panic about milk supply at this point and some may end up using formula. Make sure you speak to an IBCLC (International Board Lactation Consultant) or breastfeeding association for support and advice before you panic or accidentally wean your baby. 
• at one month old, your baby still has a tiny tummy, and will still need to wake to feed at least every four or five hours during the night. Some mothers believe formula or other additives in a bottle will make their baby sleep longer. Find out the truth here. 
• sleeping through the night is defined as five consecutive hours. 
• almost half of all babies still wake during the night by three months of age.
• it is normal for babies to continue waking in the night at six months. 
• by their first birthday, most children sleep through the night (remember, this does not mean for 12 hours long), but not all. 

Baby Sleep Mistakes #3: Listening To Outdated Advice 
No offense to your mother-in-law or that old woman you met crossing the street the other day, but times have changed. It is no longer acceptable to dip your baby’s dummy in brandy in the hope of getting a decent night’s sleep, thank goodness! We now know that controlled crying doesn’t teach babies to self soothe, and instead simply teaches them that no-one will respond to their cries. One study found that the babies still had high levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) even though they had stopped crying. For this reason, many modern parents are choosing not to follow controlled crying, much to the horror of the grandparents. Though previous generations may have believed babies could be ‘spoilt’ for attention, we now know this is not the case. Responding immediately to your baby’s cries doesn’t spoil your baby, instead it encourages him to trust his communication skills and teaches him how to manage his emotions.

Baby Sleep Mistakes #4: Not Trusting Your Instincts 
There are plenty of baby experts out there with conflicting advice on how to help your baby sleep through the night, but the only person who really understands your baby is you. You are the expert when it comes to your baby. You are the one who feeds him, changes his nappies and soothes him when he cries. Start listening to your gut and trust your instincts. You know what you’re doing, you have this covered, all you need to do is trust that and you’ll see. If you’d like to know which parenting authors and educators are worth following, check out BellyBelly’s list here.

Baby Sleep Mistakes #5: Ignoring Your Baby’s Cues
 Everyone has an opinion over how and when you should put your baby to sleep, and what you should do if he cries. These range from caring to downright cold. One thing that very rarely gets mentioned is your baby’s cues. Your baby may not be much in the way of a chatterbox, but he is trying to tell you things. He is using facial expressions, movements and even noises to try and tell you when he’s ready for bed. Missing these cues could leave you with an overtired baby (aka demon baby who will not sleep), so it’s worth looking out for and responding to these cues early. Look out for yawning, becoming quiet, losing interest in people and toys, a knotted brow, frowning and rubbing his eyes. If you notice any of these cues, your baby might be trying to tell you he’s ready for a sleep. Read more about how to interpret your baby’s cues here. 

Baby Sleep Mistakes #2: Having Unrealistic Expectations One of the major problems when it comes to sleep stress is that parents simply don’t know what is normal. All we know about normal is that it’s a setting on the clothes dryer. If you have a baby who doesn’t sleep for very long, you can quite easily end up terrified that you will never ever sleep again. When in reality, your baby’s sleeping behaviour is age-appropriate. Yet, unrealistic expectations can put you on a freeway to low self esteem, anxiety, depression and more. It may help you to know the following: at one week old, your baby will spend around 16 hours asleep during a 24-hour period. Only eight of these will be at night and they won’t be consecutive. young babies go through growth spurts and will rely on frequent feeds (also known as ‘cluster feeding’). The more they feed, the more signals they send your breasts to make more milk to satisfy his hunger. Cluster feeds are a normal part of your baby’s development. Many new mothers panic about milk supply at this point and some may end up using formula. Make sure you speak to an IBCLC (International Board Lactation Consultant) or breastfeeding association for support and advice before you panic or accidentally wean your baby. at one month old, your baby still has a tiny tummy, and will still need to wake to feed at least every four or five hours during the night. Some mothers believe formula or other additives in a bottle will make their baby sleep longer. Find out the truth here. sleeping through the night is defined as five consecutive hours. almost half of all babies still wake during the night by three months of age. it is normal for babies to continue waking in the night at six months. by their first birthday, most children sleep through the night (remember, this does not mean for 12 hours long), but not all. - See more at: http://www.bellybelly.com.au/baby-sleep/5-baby-sleep-mistakes/

Sleep. You used to take it for granted, didn’t you? All those late nights and lie-ins… you thought life would be like that forever. And then you had a baby. Tiredness is the new norm, as you spend your days battling against extreme brain fog. It’s been so long since you had as many as four hours of glorious uninterrupted sleep. You fantasise about a hotel room with a do not disturb sign on the door where you can catch up on all those missed hours between the sheets — of sleep, obviously, because you don’t have the energy for anything else. Your morning cup of coffee doesn’t even scratch the surface of how tired you feel. As you sip the last cold drop, you’re still struggling to keep your eyes open. As if that wasn’t bad enough, all the entire world seems to want to talk about is how much sleep you’re not getting. Every person you pass during the day offers unwanted advice about how to get your newborn baby to sleep through the night. Some even offer critiques of your parenting style, to help you understand exactly where you’re going wrong (thanks, strangers!). As irritating as this is, you can’t help but admire the bravery of the people willing to say these things to a person suffering from extreme sleep deprivation. - See more at: http://www.bellybelly.com.au/baby-sleep/5-baby-sleep-mistakes/

Sleeping Position In Pregnancy – Which Side Is Safer? - Gynaecologist in noida

One of the hardest things about pregnancy, is trying to get a good night’s sleep. You’re hot and sweaty, uncomfortable, your hips are aching, and your heartburn gets worse when you lie down.You end up wedged in with no fewer than fifteen pillows holding you in place, only to realise you need a wee as soon as you’ve turned the light off. On the rare occasions you are tired enough to overcome all of these sleep hurdles, the baby starts doing acrobatics and using your bladder as a trampoline. So, with all of that in mind, I’m now going to (hesitantly and politely) tell you about the best way to sleep during pregnancy. Please don’t throw anything at the screen in anger, I’m just trying to help.

Sleeping On Your Tummy During Pregnancy
During the early stages of pregnancy, it’s fine to sleep on your tummy. By the time it becomes dangerous to your baby, you will be too uncomfortable doing it anyway! Trying to sleep on your belly at eight months pregnant would be a sight fit for any touring circus

Sleeping On Your Back During Pregnancy 
You don’t really need to worry about your sleeping position at all during your first trimester. Once you’re into the second trimester though, you’ll need to avoid sleeping on your back. When you lie on your back, your uterus puts pressure on the vein that returns blood to your heart. If you lie in this position for long periods, this could restrict the amount of blood and nutrients that reach your placenta and baby. It could also leave you feeling dizzy and nauseous.

Sleeping On Your Right Hand Side During Pregnancy
 Lying on your right hand side is much better than sleeping on your front or back during the later stages of pregnancy, but is still not as good as sleeping on your left. This is because, sleeping on your right hand side can puts pressure on your liver which most Doctors would prefer you to avoid.

Sleeping On Your Left Hand Side During Pregnancy 
Doctors and midwives recommend sleeping on your left hand side. This position prevents the heavy uterus putting pressure on your liver, and continues to allow the baby to receive the right amount of nutrients and oxygen through the placenta. In fact, not only does this position not restrict blood flow, it actually improves circulation which means your body won’t have to work as hard to ensure you have optimal blood flow for you and your baby.

Sleeping on the left hand side on the last night of pregnancy, halved the risk of stillbirth. Since you don’t usually know when your last night of pregnancy will be, it’s best to sleep on your left hand side during the later stages of pregnancy, just in case. Don’t worry if you do as you’re told, and make sure you fall asleep on your left hand side, only to wake up on your right. There’s nothing you can do to stop yourself turning over in your sleep (although for lots of you, the giant bump might help out with that!) so don’t get upset or worry about it. As long as you spend most of the night on your left, you should be ok, so each time you wake up on your right, simply (or with the help of your partner and some kind of pulley system) turn back onto your left before you go back to sleep.

Having A Good Nights Sleep During Pregnancy 
For the toss and turners amongst you, pregnancy can be very restrictive. When you’re over tired and uncomfortable, it can be frustrating to know you need to stay in one position all night, and this can make it harder to get to sleep. To prevent that from happening, and to ensure you get a good night’s sleep, there are some things you can do. Try having a relaxing bath before bed, this will calm you down and help you to feel rested. Drinking a hot drink, like a fruit tea, will also help you to feel relaxed. If you’re suffering from pelvic girdle pain, or general aches and pains, ask your partner to give you a massage just before you go to sleep. Hopefully this should rid you of the discomfort long enough for you to fall asleep.

Mommy brain in pregnancy - Gynaecologist in Noida

If you think delivering that gorgeous baby means an automatic return to your former mental self, think again. “Pregnancy brain” is real, and it can affect your postpartum brain as well. Example: Half of new moms still felt super sleepy 18 weeks after giving birth, according to a recent study published in PLOS One. Here’s what to expect:

What causes it: Many experts attribute the sluggishness to the upheaval of hormones that inevitably occurs after childbirth.

The huge learning curve of taking care of a newborn also contributes. “You’re gathering so much new information, so worried about simply keeping your baby alive and well-fed, that it consumes your brain,” Seip explains.

How long it lasts: While research shows the fogginess can last up to a year after having a baby, many women start to see at least some improvement once they adjust to their new lives. Getting more of that ever-elusive sleep also helps.

What you can do in the meantime: Besides laughing it off, try to find comfort in the small triumphs. You may not be able to remember your husband’s name, “but take pride in the fact that you know your pediatrician’s phone number by memory or that you can operate your breast pump with your eyes closed.”

Also take advantage of a few memory joggers: Leave yourself voicemails; write notes on your palm; keep a pen and paper in several places so you can jot down important reminders. And if you’re concerned about being able to find those reminders, place Post-its in a prominent place. “One mom put them on her baby!” Seip says.

Your Pregnancy To-Do List - Gynaecologist in Noida

 Week 1

Congratulations! You're actively "trying" -- and you might even be pregnant already! Here's what you need to do now:
1. Start taking a prenatal vitamin if you haven't already.
2. Write down the date of your last period or two.
3. With your partner, create a family health history, including any genetic or chromosomal disorders.
4. Quit smoking, and cut out any other bad health habits.

Week 2

1. Reduce your caffeine intake.
2. Talk to your doctor about safe medications during pregnancy.
3. Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
4. Don't overdo it when you exercise.

Week 3

1. Look for the early signs of pregnancy.
2. Buy an at-home pregnancy test.
3. Learn what foods you should avoid during pregnancy.

Week 4

1. Take a pregnancy test if you've missed your period
2. Tell your partner the news!
3. Make an appointment to see your doctor to confirm your pregnancy.
4. Consider the alternative of a certified nurse-midwife

Week 5

1. Pick up a pregnancy book.
2. Download a pregnancy app to help you stay organized for the next 8 months.
3. Buy a journal or memory book to record your milestones, symptoms, and questions for the next nine months.
4. Sign up for your Due Date club or join an in-person pregnancy support group.
5. Be sure to drink lots of water.
6. Talk to your insurance company to find out which local doctors and hospitals are covered by your plan.

Week 6

1. If you're ready, start sharing the good news with family members and close friends.
2. Make your partner the official kitty litter changer.
3. Experiment with morning sickness remedies.
4. Decide whether you like your doctor enough to stick with him or her through delivery. If not, start looking for a new one.

Week 7

1. Schedule and prepare for your first prenatal visit, which should happen between 8 and 12 weeks.
2. Compile a list of questions for your first doctor's appointment.
3. Clear your beauty cabinet of any chemical-laden products like DEET-filled insect repellent.
4. Buy a belly band to extend the life of your pants.

Week 8

1. Shop for a new bra, whether it's a maternity bra or just a bigger, softer style.
2. Make Kegel exercises a part of your daily routine.
3. Pick up antacids in preparation for pregnancy heartburn, along with other drugstore staples.
4. Make a dentist appointment.
5. Discuss recommended prenatal tests with your doctor.

Week 9

1. Create a baby budget.
2. Make a pre-baby to-do list of all the things you want accomplish or enjoy before the baby arrives.
3. Look at your household cleaners and swap in eco-friendly ones for any toxic ones.
4. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
5. Go for a walk, or do 30 minutes of another moderate exercise, and make it a part of your daily routine now.

Week 10

1. Wash your hands frequently to avoid getting a cold or the flu.
2. Try natural remedies for indigestion.
3. Go shopping for maternity clothing.
4. Review your company's maternity leave policy.
5. If you're hoping for a V-BAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) but your doctor isn't on board, consider jumping ship for a practitioner who will consider it

Week 11

1. Moisturize your belly, hips and thighs daily to prevent itchy, dry skin as it stretches.
2. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, intense hot-weather workouts, super-hot baths, or anything else that could raise your body temperature above 102 degrees.
3. Get a first-trimester screening to help your practitioner decide what tests may be warranted.
4. If it's recommended by your doctor, get tested for chromosomal abnormalities through a nuchal translucency (NT) and chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
5. Listen to the baby's heartbeat with a Doppler at your doctor's appointment, if possible.

Week 12

1. Plan a babymoon vacation.
2. Buy a body pillow for sleeping.
3. Be sure to stretch and warm up before exercise because your ligaments and joints are loosened up now.
4. Until you give birth, avoid any exercises that require you to lie flat on your back (crunches, Pilates, etc.).
5. If you're having multiples, your doctor will be able to spot the extra babies at your next ultrasound.

Week 13

1. Begin thinking about baby names.
2. Start sleeping on your side.
3. Research pediatricians.
4. Eat smaller meals more frequently to stave off heartburn.
5. Consider borrowing previously worn maternity clothing from friends or family.

Week 14

1. Tell your family and friends your good news if you haven't already.
2. Break the news to your boss, too.
3. Take advantage of your energy boost by checking things off your to-do list at home and at work.
4. Start taking weekly pictures of your beautiful belly.

Week 15

1. Sign up for a prenatal yoga class.
2. Strengthen your abs with pelvic tilts.
3. Talk to you partner about finding out the sex of your baby.
4. Over 35? Schedule an amniocentesis if it's recommended.
5. As your doctor about the quad marker screen.

Week 16

1. Be sure to get plenty of calcium now, from low-fat dairy foods or supplements.
2. Tour local birth centers.
3. Start your baby registry.
4. Ask your mother or grandmother about their birthing experiences.

Week 17

1. Combat your forgetful "pregnancy brain" with lots of notes and reminders.
2. Treat yourself to a prenatal massage.
4. Sign up for a childbirth class.
5. Start a college fund for baby-to-be by opening a 529 account or a special savings account.
6. Pick up a saline spray or humidifier to alleviate congestion caused by pregnancy.

Week 18

1. Consider signing up for infant CPR, prenatal breastfeeding, or newborn-care classes.
2. Check your desk chair to see if a more supportive one or a footstool could help with back pain.
3. Is it a boy or is it a girl? Find out if desired at your mid-pregnancy ultrasound.

Week 19

1. Scan your pix from your ultrasound and share them via e-mail and Facebook.
2. Have a date night.
3. Research nursery furniture.
4. Considering a home birth? Research the pros and cons.

Week 20

1. Talk to your other half about how you'll handle life after baby.
2. Make sure you have flats or sensible shoes -- not 3-inch heels -- to live in for the next four months.
3. Know the symptoms and risks of preeclampsia.

Week 21

1. Research the pros and cons of breastfeeding. Decide what's best for you and your baby once you have all the facts.
2. Get organized and tackle pending projects around the house.
3. Buy a new maternity bra -- again.

Week 22

1. Work with your gracious baby shower host to plan party logistics.
2. Now that you know the sex of the baby, take a second look at baby names.
3. Prevent varicose veins. Avoid crossing your legs and long periods of sitting or standing, which may result in blood pooled in the legs.

Week 23

1. Go shopping for more maternity clothes.
2. As you think about the baby's first name, don't forget to consider what last name he will take.
3. Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.

Week 24

1. Look into childcare options if you're planning to return to work.
2. Start planning the nursery.
3. Get tested for gestational diabetes.

Week 25

1. Update or attain life and disability insurance, and add chosen guardianship to your will.
2. Write a birth plan.
3. Pre-register at your hospital or birthing center, if possible.

Week 26

1. Interview potential pediatricians. Find out which local doctors are covered by your insurance and seek recommendations.
2. Do any last-minute travel. It's best to avoid travel once the third trimester hits.
3. Take the glucose-screening test.

Week 27

1. Choose a color for the nursery.
2. Research cord blood banking.
3. Find a birth doula, if desired.

Week 28

1. Start seeing your doctor or midwife every two weeks.
2. Update your retirement beneficiaries.
3. Babyproof your house.
4. Help your partner to feel the baby's kicks.
5. If your fingers are swollen, take your rings off and store them in a safe place until after delivery.
6. Depending on your and your partner's blood types, you may receive an injection of RhoGAM

Week 29

1. Enjoy your baby shower!
2. Start shopping for birth announcements and decide whether you'll choose paper or electronic ones.
3. If you live in an older home, ask your partner to test for lead-based paint in the nursery and remove it if necessary.
4. Eat a high-fiber diet to help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids.

Week 30

1. Buy a car seat, stroller, and any other important baby gear that you didn't receive at your shower.
2. Count fetal kicks.
3. Pack your hospital bag and one for your partner.
4. Know the signs of premature labor.
5. Try exercises designed to help prepare your body for D-day.

Week 31

1. Eat foods rich in iron.
2. If you plan to hire a baby nurse, start seeking recommendations.
3. Plan your maternity leave.
4. Prepare a baby first-aid and an emergency kit.

Week 32

1. Plan care for your other children or your pets for when you go into labor.
2. Get a haircut.
3. Set up the baby's nursery.
4. Start seeing your doctor or midwife weekly through delivery.

Week 33

1. Start reading about newborn care.
2. Clean out your car to make room for baby.
3. Install your car seat and visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Web site to locate an inspection station near you so you can be sure you did it correctly.

Week 34

1. Call your insurance company to add your baby-to-be to your policy.
2. Get tested for Group B strep (GBS).
3. Buy any items you'll need for postpartum recovery.
4. Meet with several pediatricians to make your final choice.

Week 35

1. Buy a baby book.
2. If you plan to try breastfeeding, get the number of a recommended lactation consultant or join a local La Leche League International group.
3. Review your baby registry to see what items you still need to purchase before baby's arrival.

Week 36

1. Schedule a non-stress test if it's recommended.
2. Review your birth plan with your doctor, midwife, doula, or any others involved.
3. Sleep in, take naps and get as many extra Z's as you can.